Technology (Digital Government)

HB 785 creates a new electronic voter registration system in Pennsylvania. It requires the state to establish a secure online portal within 180 days where voters can submit registration applications or updates, verify identity using the last four digits of their Social Security number or driver's license, and provide digital signatures. The bill mandates accessibility features for voters with disabilities and specifies that applications must be processed through existing systems. This directly affects all Pennsylvania voters seeking to register or update their registration online, streamlining the process while maintaining verification requirements.

SB 568 requires social media platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate images of Pennsylvania residents within 48 hours of receiving a valid request. It directly affects individuals whose private images were shared without consent, as defined by Pennsylvania law. Platforms must establish a clear online portal for removal requests and are shielded from liability if they act in good faith. The law applies specifically to social media services that connect users for social interaction, excluding email or cloud services. It takes effect 90 days after enactment.

HB 485 creates a new Office of Information Technology within Pennsylvania's state government to establish and enforce digital accessibility standards. It requires all public entities (like counties, cities, and state agencies) to make their online services accessible to people with disabilities by developing implementation plans by July 2026 and fully complying by July 2028. Key provisions include adopting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG), mandating procurement standards for adaptive technologies, and requiring compatibility with accessibility tools. The law aligns with the federal Americans with Disabilities Act and applies to digital content, websites, and information systems used by the public.

SB 112, the Consumer Data Privacy Act, establishes new rules for how businesses handle personal data in Pennsylvania. It requires businesses (like online services or retailers meeting revenue or data volume thresholds) to get clear, affirmative consent from Pennsylvania residents before collecting or selling their data, bans deceptive "dark patterns" that trick users into sharing information, and prohibits selling data for targeted advertising without consent. The law defines personal data broadly to include location and biometric information (but excludes de-identified data or publicly available information) and imposes penalties for violations. It directly affects Pennsylvania consumers by giving them more control over their data and businesses that process their information.

HB 1624 would require companies and service providers (like apps or websites) to obtain explicit permission before collecting or using people's location data. It directly affects digital services that track user movements, such as navigation apps or location-based advertisers. The law establishes penalties for violations, allows individuals to sue companies that break the rule, and gives the Attorney General authority to enforce it. Violations could result in fines, with the bill specifying these enforcement mechanisms.