This bill establishes a regulatory framework for large commercial data centers in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires these data centers to procure a specific amount of clean, reliable energy from new sources like wind, solar with storage, and nuclear power, while also mandating backup generation capabilities and strict disclosure rules. To support the program, the legislation creates two new funding accounts: one to enhance assistance for low-income households facing high energy costs and another to promote state energy independence. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will oversee contract reviews and enforcement, with penalties in place for non-compliance.
This bill allows prothonotaries in specific Pennsylvania counties to charge a new $10 automation fee for starting any legal case. The collected money must be placed in a special fund dedicated solely to updating and maintaining the prothonotary's office technology. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent increase in the national Consumer Price Index. This change applies to second-class A counties, third through eighth-class counties, and home rule counties within those classes.
This bill prohibits airports and aviation businesses in Pennsylvania from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data to charge fees to aircraft owners or operators. ADS-B is a technology that automatically shares an aircraft's location, speed, and other flight details with ground stations and other planes. The law makes it illegal for these entities to collect money based on this surveillance information and gives the state Attorney General the power to enforce the rule. The ban applies to any fees calculated or generated from this data within the state's borders.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's turnpike laws to clarify that electronic toll collection data can be shared with law enforcement to help locate abducted children or missing persons at risk. Specifically, it ensures that privacy protections for toll records do not prevent authorities from accessing this information when responding to Amber Alerts or other missing person cases. The legislation directly affects the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission and law enforcement agencies by defining the scope of data sharing for public safety purposes. It does not create new tolling systems or change how drivers pay, but rather establishes a legal exception to privacy rules for emergency situations. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania to follow specific guidelines when hiring vendors to create detailed maps of their campuses for emergency response purposes. The new rules mandate that these maps be accurate, include labeled floor plans and utility locations, and be compatible with existing public safety software without extra costs. Additionally, the data must be stored securely within the United States, and districts must obtain approval from local law enforcement before entering into such contracts.
This Pennsylvania bill updates the Public School Code to strictly limit the use of artificial intelligence in charter and cyber charter schools. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions and prohibits these schools from using AI to replace human teachers for direct instruction. The law requires local school boards and the state Department of Education to reject applications from schools relying on such models and allows for the nonrenewal or immediate termination of charters that adopt them. Additionally, the bill clarifies the powers and duties of the State Board of Education regarding charter school oversight.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to allow local governments to temporarily halt the submission of new data center development applications. Under the new provision, a municipality can adopt a resolution at a public meeting to pause these submissions for up to 180 days, a period that begins retroactively from the date of public notice. During this pause, local authorities may update their zoning laws regarding data centers, and any applications received while the pause is in effect will be evaluated under the new rules. The legislation defines a data center as a facility primarily used for housing servers or data storage systems with specific backup power and cooling infrastructure.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to explicitly define "dynamic pricing" as a potential unfair practice. It specifically targets the use of artificial intelligence to vary prices for essential goods or services within a 24-hour period based on demand. The legislation includes detailed definitions for artificial intelligence, generative AI, and bona fide pricing to clarify what constitutes deceptive behavior versus legitimate pricing strategies. By adding these specific terms to the law, the bill aims to provide clearer guidance for regulators and businesses regarding AI-driven price fluctuations.
This bill allows Pennsylvania courts in specific counties to charge an additional $10 automation fee when starting a legal case. The collected money must be used exclusively to fund and maintain automated systems within the clerk of courts offices. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide dedicated funding for court technology updates while limiting how often and how much the fee can increase.
This Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program by adding new eligibility requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2030. To qualify for tax incentives, data centers must purchase 100% of their electricity from renewable sources and demonstrate investments in environmental management and energy efficiency by meeting specific green building standards. The legislation also allows owners to separate facilities into multiple certified units and establishes procedures for notifying the state of compliance and revoking certifications if requirements are not met.
