PA Senators Collett and Kane take action to protect child actors from abuse

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. − October 11, 2024 − State senators are calling for known perpetrators to be prevented from working with children on film sets in Pennsylvania Mary Collett (D-12 Montgomery) and John I Kane (D-9 Chester/Delaware) propose legislation that would require child abuse background checks for employees of productions receiving the PA Film Tax Credit.

“Pennsylvania’s arts and entertainment industry attracts visitors and stimulates our local economy, but we must ensure that as the industry grows, so do protections for vulnerable populations involved in these projects.” senator Collett said. “As more child actors come forward to share heartbreaking stories of abuse on set, it is important that we take preventative measures to prioritize and ensure the safety of our children.”

The Investigation Discovery network’s recent documentary “Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV” revealed tragic workplace abuse and manipulation involving various child actors on Nickelodeon shows from the 1990s and 2000s. In one example, an employee convicted of child molestation was fired from a children’s television station, only to be hired by another well-known children’s television station.

“Pennsylvania has the potential to become a premier destination for film and television production, but we must do so by prioritizing the safety of our young artists.” said Senator Kane. “This law is all about protecting our child actors. By implementing thorough background checks for all employees who work with minors, we are creating a safer environment in which our talented youth can thrive. It’s a sensible approach – we can grow our entertainment industry while protecting our children.”

The film tax credit is used to incentivize the filming of television shows, films, commercials and entertainment in Pennsylvania by providing a 25% tax credit to productions that spend at least 60% of their total budget in the Commonwealth.

The Collett and Kane legislation amends the PA film tax credit to require any adult working on the set of a production receiving this tax credit to pass a child abuse screening if that production employs a minor.