Communications and Technology

This bill prohibits Pennsylvania public agencies from entering into nondisclosure agreements with data center owners regarding the construction, development, or location of these facilities. The law ensures that any contract attempting to keep details about a data center's project or the agreement itself secret from the public is considered invalid and unenforceable. By banning such confidentiality clauses, the legislation aims to increase transparency around government interactions with data center developers. The changes apply to all state and local agencies and will take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.

This bill prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies from using text messages to collect unpaid fines, fees, or tolls or to notify individuals about such charges. It defines a text-based communication as any written message sent on a mobile device, explicitly excluding standard email. The law applies to all Commonwealth agencies as currently defined by state statute and will become effective 60 days after passage.

HB 78 establishes rules for businesses handling consumer data, requiring them to be transparent about data collection, secure personal information, and allow consumers to access or delete their data. It directly affects companies that collect personal information (like names, addresses, or online activity) from residents of the state. Key provisions include mandating clear privacy notices, implementing security measures, and giving consumers control over their data. Violations would result in fines imposed by the state's consumer protection agency. The bill passed final passage in October 2025 and is now law.

HB 95 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to require clear disclosure when AI-generated content (like text, images, or videos) is created, distributed, or published. It directly affects businesses, creators, and platforms using AI tools to produce content for consumers in Pennsylvania. The bill adds new definitions, including that "artificial intelligence" means technology creating new content via predictive algorithms, and specifies that disclosures must be "clear and conspicuous" - meaning they must be visible upfront, easy to understand, and match the content's medium (e.g., visible text, audible audio). This change updates existing consumer protection rules to address AI-generated content transparency.

This Senate Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to create a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age to evaluate how current laws address online risks to minors. The Task Force will include representatives from law enforcement, victim advocacy, medical professionals, and other relevant agencies appointed by the Attorney General. Its main role is to review Pennsylvania's statutes regarding child protection in the digital age, particularly concerning artificial intelligence and child sexual abuse material, and recommend updates to laws and policies. The commission must submit an initial report by November 30, 2027, with follow-up reports every odd-numbered year thereafter, and publish findings online while sending copies to state leadership.