HB 1530, the Genetic Information Privacy Act, requires direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies operating in Pennsylvania to protect residents' genetic data. Companies must obtain clear, separate consent for data collection, use, sharing, and retention; implement security measures; and provide consumers with access to or deletion of their data. The bill specifically prohibits sharing genetic data with insurers, employers, or third parties without explicit written consent. Violations could result in $2,500 civil penalties per incident, enforced by the Attorney General’s office. The law applies to Pennsylvania residents and covers genetic data like DNA test results, but excludes research data collected under federal health privacy rules.
HB 1063 amends Pennsylvania's Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law to prohibit the use of automated software for purchasing event tickets with intent to resell, bypassing sales limits, or disabling security systems. It directly affects ticket sellers (including venues, event organizers, and rights holders) and individuals or companies using bots to acquire tickets for resale. The bill makes these activities illegal, allows affected parties to sue for $1,000 per ticket sold in violation plus attorney fees, and includes exceptions for security research and enforcement activities. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 1734 amends Pennsylvania's turnpike toll collection laws to modernize electronic payment systems. It updates the legal framework for electronic toll collection (like E-ZPass) on state turnpikes, requiring compatible infrastructure and payment methods. This directly affects drivers using Pennsylvania turnpikes who rely on electronic toll systems for payment. The bill focuses on streamlining toll collection processes without changing toll rates or funding.
HB 825 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to allow utility companies to install "double utility poles" that carry both power lines and communication lines (like fiber optic cables) on the same pole structure. This change directly affects public utility providers regulated under Title 66 by altering their permitted infrastructure options. The key provision modifies the utilities' powers and duties to facilitate this dual-use pole configuration, potentially streamlining infrastructure deployment. Specific impacts on communities, costs, or regulatory details are not described in the provided context.
HB 940 amends Pennsylvania's definition of "sexual abuse or exploitation" in child protective services law (Title 23, Section 6303). It expands the definition to explicitly include behaviors like viewing a child's intimate parts, participating in sexual conversations via digital means, and simulated sexual activity for sexual gratification. The bill also clarifies that consensual activity between two 14-year-olds within four years of age is excluded from this definition. This change directly affects how child protective services agencies and courts categorize and respond to alleged child sexual abuse cases. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 407 creates a new criminal offense for unauthorized location tracking in Pennsylvania, making it illegal to install or use technology (such as apps or devices) to monitor someone's location without their consent. Exceptions include law enforcement during investigations, parents tracking minor children, guardians monitoring incapacitated persons, and other specific scenarios like fleet vehicle tracking with proper consent. The bill does not change existing stalking laws but adds this new provision to address technology-enabled harassment. It directly affects individuals who might use location-tracking tools to harass others, while clarifying permitted uses for safety and legal purposes.
