The law, House Bill 2474, was signed Oct. 22 and takes effect Jan. 22, 2027. It expands mandated reporting requirements so hazing and incidents involving child sexual abuse material made with a child’s image—including manipulated or AI-generated images—must be reported to the state’s ChildLine service.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services will refer reports to law enforcement, according to the legislation’s description. The measure was sponsored by state Rep. Nikki Rivera, a Democrat representing the 96th District. State Sens. Art Haywood, a Democrat whose district includes Philadelphia and Montgomery County, and Lisa Baker, a Republican, added the anti-hazing provision to the bill.

Rivera said the change is intended to make reporting obligations clearer for adults responsible for children. “By taking the guesswork out of the equation, this bill goes a long way toward ensuring that all adults responsible for children report crimes against minors in a timely, efficient manner,” she said in a statement.

The bill was initially aimed at strengthening protections against deepfake pornography made with images of minors. The added provision broadens its reach to hazing, requiring mandated reporters to alert authorities when a child is hazing another student.

Cheltenham High is facing scrutiny after four football coaches and six students were charged following an investigation into an alleged locker-room assault. A sophomore told officials he was assaulted with a broomstick after football practice. The charges are allegations, and the case is expected to go to trial.

Defense attorneys for the coaches have said their clients did not know the full extent of the incident. Prosecutors say a player informed the coaches about what happened and have pointed to text messages they say suggest efforts to conceal the incident.

Tuesday’s event is expected to outline how the law will affect reporting and protections for children across Pennsylvania.