Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 13, 2026

HB 2288: An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, providing for artificial intelligence training disclosure.

This bill requires online platforms in Pennsylvania to inform users when their content may be used to train artificial intelligence systems. It applies to websites and apps that collect user-created content like posts, videos, or images for AI training purposes. The law mandates that platforms must provide a clear, separate disclosure at sign-up and require users to acknowledge receiving this notice before they can post content. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "platform" to ensure consistent application of the disclosure requirement.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill enhances consumer protection and data privacy by requiring AI training disclosures, strengthening digital rights and transparency for users.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Consumer Data Protection Social Media

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 30, 2026

SB 1251: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in governance of the system, further providing for fee increases and automation fee.

This bill establishes a new automation fee of up to $10 for court clerks in Pennsylvania counties of the second class A and third through eighth class, including home rule counties of the same class. The fee applies to the initiation of any legal action or proceeding and must be deposited into a special fund designated solely for purchasing and maintaining automation technology in clerk of courts offices. The bill allows the fee amount to be increased no more than once every three years, with any increase capped at the percentage change in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers over the preceding three years. The legislation takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill funds automation technology in court offices through a fee, directly supporting technology infrastructure and modernization.75% confidence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 24, 2026

HB 2264: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, providing for virtual power plant program.

This bill requires Pennsylvania electric distribution companies to create and implement virtual power plant programs by July 1, 2027, which allow customers with eligible energy technologies like solar panels or batteries to participate in grid services. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will review and approve these proposals within 180 days, requiring companies to set enrollment targets and include mechanisms for existing demand response programs. Participants can receive compensation for providing services such as peak load reduction, voltage support, and emergency grid services, with special provisions for low-income customers and disadvantaged communities to receive enhanced upfront payments. The program will establish operational rules for when and how often grid events can occur, including limits on event duration and advance notice requirements, while allowing customers to disenroll without penalties for nonperformance.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill mandates virtual power plant programs integrating solar panels and batteries, promoting renewable energy adoption and grid modernization.90% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill promotes adoption of renewable energy technologies like solar panels and batteries through virtual power plant programs, enhancing grid modernization and customer participation in energy technology.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Solar Utility Regulation

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SR 244: A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill establishes task force to evaluate and strengthen child protection laws in digital age, enhancing cybersecurity and safety for minors online.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Online Safety Tags Children

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 1, 2026

SB 1182: An Act amending the act of December 22, 1983 (P.L.306, No.84), known as the Board of Vehicles Act, further providing for title of act; in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in vehicles, further providing for license to engage in business, for reimbursement for all parts and service required by the manufacturer or distributor and reimbursement audits, for unlawful acts by manufacturers or distributors and for manufacturer or distributor repurchase of inventory and equipment and providing for consumer data protection.

SB 1182 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to update definitions and add new requirements for vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors. It requires manufacturers/distributors to reimburse dealers for all parts and service costs mandated by them, includes audit provisions for these reimbursements, and establishes a process for manufacturers/distributors to repurchase dealer inventory or equipment. The bill also adds consumer data protection rules, defining "consumer data" to align with federal standards (15 U.S.C. § 6809) and limiting how third-party "authorized integrators" can access dealer data. These changes directly affect vehicle dealers (who sell new/used cars), manufacturers, and distributors, while protecting consumer data used in dealership operations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyAdds consumer data protection rules defining 'consumer data', aligning with data privacy policies but embedded within vehicle dealer regulations rather than tech-focused legislation.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 3, 2026

HB 2255: An Act amending the act of December 4, 1996 (P.L.911, No.147), known as the Telemarketer Registration Act, further providing for definitions, for unlawful acts and penalties and for violations; and imposing penalties.

HB 2255 amends Pennsylvania's Telemarketer Registration Act to regulate the use of artificial intelligence in telemarketing. The bill defines key terms like "artificial intelligence" and "synthetic content," then prohibits telemarketers from using AI to make calls, mimic human voices, select phone numbers, disguise call origins, or interact with consumers during calls. Violations carry civil penalties of up to $100,000 per offense, with escalating fines for repeat violations. Individuals who receive a prohibited call may also sue the telemarketer in court. This bill directly affects telemarketing companies operating in Pennsylvania that use AI for solicitation calls.

Topics ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyBill prohibits AI use in telemarketing for deceptive practices (mimicking voices, disguising calls), imposing penalties to protect consumers. Directly restricts AI applications in this context.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 26, 2026

HB 2198: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, repealing provisions relating to Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program; and, in general provisions, providing for data centers.

HB 2198 repeals the Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program from Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971. This bill eliminates tax exemptions and refunds previously available for investments in data center equipment, such as servers, cooling systems, and energy infrastructure. The repeal directly affects computer data centers and their owners/operators who previously qualified for these tax benefits under Article XXIX-D. The policy change removes a specific tax incentive program without creating new provisions. This is a procedural change to the tax code, ending an existing program for data center equipment investments.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesRepeals tax incentive program, eliminating exemptions for data centers, weakening tax benefits.90% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRepeals tax incentives for data center equipment investments, removing financial support for technology infrastructure development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 25, 2026

HB 2239: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in burglary and other criminal intrusion, further providing for the offense of unlawful use of unmanned aircraft.

HB 2239 prohibits operating drones without written permission on school property, including grounds and aerial space of all school types (public, charter, private, etc.). It creates a new misdemeanor offense punishable by a fine up to $300 for unauthorized drone use near schools, while exempting school security personnel acting in their official duties. The bill specifically targets drone activity that could disrupt school safety or operations, defining "school entity" broadly to cover all educational institutions. This amendment to Pennsylvania's criminal code directly affects drone operators near schools and aims to prevent unauthorized aerial surveillance or intrusion.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill prohibits drone use on school property to protect safety and operations, directly supporting school environment security as part of educational access and operations.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts unauthorized drone use near schools, creating a misdemeanor offense for technology misuse in a safety context.90% confidence

Sub-Topics School Safety Emerging Technology

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 2252: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of unlawful dissemination of intimate image; and, in minors, further providing for the offense of sexual abuse of children.

HB 2252 makes it a crime to share someone's intimate image without consent, including AI-generated images that falsely depict them in nudity or sexual conduct. It directly affects individuals whose intimate images are shared non-consensually, whether the images are real or artificially created using AI or photo editing. The law establishes misdemeanor penalties (from second to first degree) based on factors like the victim's age, the sharer's intent (e.g., to harass, profit, or cause harm), and whether multiple images were shared. This bill updates Pennsylvania's sexual offenses law to specifically address the growing threat of AI-generated intimate images, ensuring they face the same legal consequences as real non-consensual image sharing.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates criminal penalties for non-consensual sharing of intimate images (including AI-generated), strengthening victim protections within criminal justice framework.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyExplicitly addresses AI-generated intimate images in privacy protections, strengthening data privacy safeguards against non-consensual sharing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 11, 2026

HB 2215: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for guidelines for user age verification and responsible dialogue; providing for the offense of prohibited promotion of sexually explicit conduct and for the offense of prohibited promotion of violence; and imposing penalties.

HB 2215 requires AI chatbot providers to verify user age using reliable methods like government-issued ID, not just birth dates, to prevent minors from accessing AI companions designed for emotional interaction. The bill prohibits creating or distributing AI chatbots that risk encouraging minors to engage in or share sexually explicit content or violent behavior, with penalties of up to $100,000 per violation. It defines "AI companion" as chatbots simulating friendship or therapy and mandates that age verification must reliably block minors without relying on IP addresses or other technical indicators. This law applies to any entity making AI chatbots available in the U.S., focusing on protecting minors from harmful content through concrete verification requirements.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRegulates AI chatbots for minor safety via age verification and content restrictions, aligning with consumer protection in tech policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence Online Safety

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