HB 2551 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties in general, providing for certain text-based communications prohibited.

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.

Issues: ✗ Technology

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

May 2026

Committee Review

Jun 2026

House Passage

Jun 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced May 28, 2026 Last action Jun 25, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN3556 → Printer's No. PN3653 · 3 edits

MINOR

This bill update refines the formatting of a prohibition against government agencies using text messages for unpaid fines, removing unnecessary capitalization and clarifying the exemption for free information services. It also adds a comprehensive new definition for 'interactive mobile device' to ensure the law covers modern technology like smartphones and tablets. Additionally, the bill's procedural status was updated to reflect its second consideration by the House of Representatives.

Scope change

The scope of the bill remains focused on restricting text-based communications for debt collection by Commonwealth agencies, but the definition of covered devices is expanded to include modern mobile technologies.

REQUIREMENT

Removed all-caps formatting from the main prohibition text and slightly rephrased the sentence to improve readability while maintaining the same legal meaning.

DEFINITION

Added a detailed definition for 'interactive mobile device' that explicitly lists smartphones, tablets, and similar devices capable of internet access and communication.

TECHNICAL

Updated the bill header and committee reporting information to reflect the new printer's number and the bill's status after second consideration in the House.