Lawmakers in Harrisburg have come together to announce they have introduced Alicia's Law in the House and Senate to fund the prosecution of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and internet crimes against children. 

During the press conference, lawmakers were joined by Alicia Kozak, who was abducted from her home in Pittsburgh by an internet predator at the age of 13 in 2002. 

She is known as the first case of such crime. 

Alicia was chained and held captive in the perpetrator's dungeon in Virginia. Alicia's kidnapper livestreamed the abuse, and she was rescued thanks to an anonymous tip to the FBI. 

Since her rescue, Alicia has been an outspoken advocate for internet safety by working to educate the public and policy makers about the dangers of online predators and ways to end predatory crime. 

“As a survivor of abduction and exploitation, I know firsthand the critical importance of having dedicated resources to combat these heinous crimes,” Kozak said. “In my over 20 years of speaking to students across the country, most recently in Pennsylvania, I have seen the devastating impact that online predators can have on young lives. Technology and predator tactics have vastly changed since my ordeal and we must ensure those in this fight are best-equipped to do their work in this ever-evolving tech-based world. Alicia's Law will empower law enforcement task forces with the tools they need to swiftly identify, apprehend and prosecute these predators. Every child deserves to grow up safe from harm, and each day without this law is a day too many in which children remain vulnerable. Passing Alicia's Law is a vital step in our commitment to protect our children and ensure justice for those who have suffered. It is time to stand together for Pennsylvania's children and make it a safer place for every child.”

House Bill 2199 and Senate Bill 1233 would create a process to establish state and local task forces across the Commonwealth to fight internet crimes against children. 

The task forces would supplement and enhance the work of the existing federal Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force Program. 

Alicia's Law is already in effect in 12 states. The bills have been referred to the respective judiciary committees.