Rivera Law Targets Hazing Reporting Gaps
Pennsylvania state representatives will convene at Cheltenham High School on Tuesday to outline new mandatory reporting requirements for hazing and deep fake content.
By Giulia Marshall ·
A new state law signed into effect on Oct. 22, 2026, mandates immediate reporting of hazing incidents and child sexual abuse material involving deep fakes to Pennsylvania officials.
State Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-96th dist.) sponsored House Bill 2474, which expands the duties of mandated reporters. The legislation was signed by the governor last week and will become active on Jan. 22, 2027.
The bill originated as a measure to combat the use of AI to create deep fake pornography of minors. Senators Art Haywood (D-Philadelphia and Montgomery County) and Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne, Pike, Susquehanna, Wayne and Wyoming counties) later added the specific anti-hazing provision to Rivera’s text.
Under the new rules, hazing and the creation of deep fake sexual abuse material are now classified as reportable offenses. Mandated reporters must submit these incidents to the state’s Childline service. The Department of Human Services will then forward each report to local law enforcement for prompt action.
Rivera stated that the law removes uncertainty for adults responsible for children. "House Bill 2474 makes it crystal clear that mandated reporters must immediately report to authorities when a child is creating child sexual abuse material or hazing another student," she said. She added that the reform ensures crimes against minors are reported in a timely manner to prevent further abuse.
Lawmakers will discuss the implementation of the law at Cheltenham High School in Wyncote on Tuesday at 3 p.m. The school is currently under investigation following a hazing incident where a sophomore reported being assaulted with a broomstick in a locker room after football practice. Four coaches and six students have been charged in the case.
Prosecutors allege the coaches were informed of the incident by a player and exchanged text messages indicating an attempt to keep the matter private. Defense attorneys for the coaches maintain their clients were unaware of the full extent of the assault. The case is expected to proceed to trial.
