Pennsylvania House Passes AI Chatbot Restrictions + Kills Women's Sports Bill Again

Pennsylvania's House advances an AI chatbot safety bill and a license plate law, while a Women's Sports bill stalls for the 10th+ time — all in an 11-day sprint before lawmakers break for the November election. AI chatbot regulation: The House passed a bill regulating AI companion chatbots aimed at protecting minors ages 13-17, following testimony from the American Psychological Association's Mitch Prinstein warning that AI products aren't ready for children during critical brain development. The bill's sponsor said chatbots have provided sexually explicit content and failed to discourage self-harm; it sets disclosure requirements, operating protocols, and Attorney General enforcement with penalties up to $100,000/day per violation. One Republican, Rep. Jason Ortitay, voted no, arguing the bill's scope is unclear and could sweep in tools like homework helpers, not just companion apps, and would require companies to collect more data on children without clear safeguards on how it's used. The bill now heads to the Senate. License plate obscuring bill: The House passed HB 2219, banning the blocking or obscuring of license plates — framed as an enforcement tool, but raising privacy concerns given its connection to automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems like Flock, discussed in committee hearings earlier in the week. Women's Sports bill stalls again: Republican Rep. Barbara Gleim says her bill to bar biological males from women's sports has now been blocked in committee more than 10 times since 2025, despite polling she cites showing 80% public support. It remains stuck heading into the final days of session. Skill games still unresolved: Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman told a luncheon it's unclear whether lawmakers will address the long-running skill games regulatory question before session ends — with roughly 70,000 machines in circulation statewide still in legal limbo. Pittman also suggested removing cameras from legislative chambers to reduce political grandstanding. Harrisburg investment: Gov. Shapiro announced $22.7 million in state funds — part of a broader $64 million public-private package — for downtown Harrisburg redevelopment, including $11 million for the Harristown office conversion, $2.25 million for Riverfront Park, and $2.25 million for the Broad Street Market. A parking plan is still being developed and may need legislative action. The Center Square's Ford Turner reports from Harrisburg. Get Pennsylvania updates at TheCenterSquare.com. #Pennsylvania #AIRegulation #SkillGames #CenterSquare #TheStates