SB 1384 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to update definitions for tax benefits and introduce new rules for computer data centers. The bill explicitly prohibits the Department of Revenue from certifying any new computer data centers after its effective date. It also establishes a new certification program for the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development, which sets standards for clean firm energy, including specific requirements for solar, wind, and battery storage systems. Additionally, the legislation defines terms related to alternative compliance payments and clean hydrogen production to support these infrastructure standards.
This Pennsylvania bill temporarily bans the sale, manufacture, and distribution of children's toys containing artificial intelligence chatbots for a period of three years. It defines an AI chatbot as technology that uses generative AI to hold interactive conversations with users, while excluding toys that only provide pre-written responses. The law applies to any product intended for children under 14 years old and allows the Attorney General to enforce the ban through civil penalties and legal injunctions if violations occur. After the three-year period expires, the prohibition will automatically end, though any violations committed during the ban remain subject to enforcement.
This bill allows Pennsylvania municipalities to temporarily pause the review of new applications for high-impact data centers, which are defined by their significant electrical power usage. Under the new rules, local governments can impose a moratorium lasting up to 18 months to conduct studies on infrastructure capacity, public safety, and environmental impacts before approving such facilities. The measure is optional and does not affect existing data centers or other types of development, but it requires municipalities to hold public hearings and make reasonable progress on planning activities during the pause. Additionally, the bill provides a process for applicants to request waivers if strict enforcement would cause unique hardship, ensuring that the pause serves as a planning tool rather than a permanent ban.
This Pennsylvania bill prohibits the development and distribution of artificial intelligence applications that generate realistic images of people in states of nudity or engaged in sexual acts. It specifically targets online app stores, requiring them to remove these prohibited tools within five days after receiving a report and mandating that they provide a public portal for users to submit such notices. The law includes exceptions for general-purpose editing software, tools used for medical or law enforcement purposes, and services designed to detect or block these harmful applications. Violations of the act can result in civil penalties of up to $100,000 for each illegal download of the application.
This bill imposes a three-year statewide ban on approving or building new hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania. It directly affects large-scale data facilities by halting permits for any new construction, expansions that would create hyperscale centers, and the necessary power or transmission infrastructure required to support them. The law defines hyperscale data centers as facilities with significant electricity demand, ranging from one megawatt to twenty megawatts depending on the local grid size, and prohibits state and local governments from issuing any related approvals during the moratorium period.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to restrict where large data centers can be built. It specifically prohibits municipalities from allowing hyperscale data centers, which cover more than five acres, in areas designated for agriculture unless they are allowed in every district within that community. Additionally, the law bans data centers on agricultural land if at least half of the property consists of prime agricultural soil or land rated as fourth class by the USDA. Local governments will need to update their zoning ordinances to comply with these new definitions and restrictions on data center development.
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's tax code to update definitions for tax benefits and establish new rules for computer data centers and infrastructure projects. It prohibits the state from certifying any new computer data centers after the law takes effect, effectively ending the current incentive program for such facilities. Additionally, the legislation creates a new certification process for the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development program, which sets standards for clean firm energy, including requirements for nuclear, hydro, wind, solar, and hydrogen sources. These changes aim to clarify how tax benefits are administered and to guide future infrastructure investments toward specific energy standards.
This bill updates Pennsylvania turnpike laws to restrict the use of text messages for notifying drivers about unpaid tolls. It specifically prohibits the turnpike commission and its agents from sending texts regarding unpaid charges, payment links, or potential enforcement actions like license suspensions. Exceptions are made for messages from third-party collection agencies and for drivers who have explicitly opted in to receive texts or who use an official mobile app. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill updates Pennsylvania gaming laws by adding specific definitions for school entities and school property. It requires interactive gaming and sports wagering operators to use geospatial technology to block registered players from accessing games on their own devices while they are inside licensed facilities or on school grounds. The legislation aims to prevent minors and students from participating in online gambling through personal computers at these locations. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.
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.
