Technology

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 20, 2026

SB 992: 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 registration requirement, for unlawful acts and penalties, for blocking of caller identification and other telemarketing screening products or services prohibited, for unwanted telephone solicitation calls prohibited, for violations and for investigation.

SB 992 updates Pennsylvania's 1996 Telemarketer Registration Act to strengthen rules for phone sales calls. It requires telemarketers to register and prohibits blocking caller ID features used to screen calls, while banning unwanted solicitation calls. The bill also clarifies penalties for violations and enhances enforcement mechanisms for consumer protection. These changes directly affect telemarketers operating in Pennsylvania and aim to reduce unwanted calls for residents.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill strengthens consumer protection by banning unwanted telemarketing calls and prohibiting caller ID blocking, enhancing data privacy safeguards against unsolicited calls.85% confidence

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 2006: An Act providing for safety regarding artificial intelligence in companionship applications; and imposing a penalty.

HB 2006 requires developers of artificial intelligence applications designed for companionship (such as chatbots for elderly care or mental health support) to implement specific safety standards. It directly affects technology companies creating these AI tools by mandating safeguards against harmful outputs or privacy breaches. The bill establishes a penalty system, including fines, for developers who fail to meet the required safety measures. This legislation aims to protect users interacting with AI companions through concrete regulatory requirements, not speculative outcomes.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates safety standards for AI companionship apps to prevent privacy breaches and harmful outputs, directly protecting user data privacy as required by the bill.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 7, 2025

SB 377: An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in contracts for public works, providing for contracts for information technology commodities and services.

SB 377 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to purchase information technology devices (like computers or tablets) that meet specific security standards when entering new public works contracts. It mandates that these devices, services, and solutions must be configurable, secure, and maintainable according to National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines or widely adopted industry security practices. The law applies only to contracts signed on or after its effective date (60 days after passage), affecting state agencies buying endpoint devices for public projects. This policy change directly impacts procurement decisions for IT hardware and services across Pennsylvania government operations.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates NIST-compliant security standards for state IT procurement, directly enhancing cybersecurity requirements for public technology purchases.95% confidence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2025

HB 825: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in powers and duties, providing for double utility poles.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyEnables dual-use poles for fiber optic cables, directly facilitating broadband infrastructure deployment and expanding internet access infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Broadband Access

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 25, 2026

HB 78: An Act providing for consumer data privacy, for duties of controllers and for duties of processors; and imposing penalties.

HB 78 establishes rules for businesses handling consumer data, requiring them to be transparent about data collection, secure personal information, and allow consumers to access or delete their data. It directly affects companies that collect personal information (like names, addresses, or online activity) from residents of the state. Key provisions include mandating clear privacy notices, implementing security measures, and giving consumers control over their data. Violations would result in fines imposed by the state's consumer protection agency. The bill passed final passage in October 2025 and is now law.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates transparency, security, and consumer data control for businesses handling personal information, directly strengthening privacy protections in technology use.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 1090: An Act providing for disclosures and safeguards relating to the use of artificial intelligence; and imposing duties on the Attorney General.

Based solely on the provided title and committee actions, SB 1090 aims to establish disclosure requirements and safeguards for artificial intelligence systems, with specific duties assigned to the Attorney General. It would directly affect organizations developing or deploying AI tools, requiring them to provide certain disclosures and adhere to safety measures. The bill's key mechanisms involve mandating transparency about AI use and creating an enforcement role for the Attorney General, though the exact scope of disclosures and safeguards is not detailed in the context. The bill is currently in early committee review (Communications & Technology) with no further details on specific provisions available in the provided information.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyMandates AI transparency and safety safeguards, aligning with data privacy and cybersecurity protections for consumers.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Artificial Intelligence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Oct 15, 2025

HB 1734: An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in turnpike, further providing for electronic toll collection.

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.

Topics ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyModernizes electronic toll collection infrastructure, advancing tech use in transportation systems without privacy/security implications.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationModernizes electronic toll collection infrastructure, streamlining payment systems without changing rates or funding, advancing transportation efficiency and compatibility with current technology.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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