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Bill > HB78
PA HB78
PA HB78Providing for consumer data privacy, for duties of controllers and for duties of processors; and imposing penalties.
summary
Introduced
01/14/2025
01/14/2025
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
10/01/2025
10/01/2025
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Providing for consumer data privacy, for duties of controllers and for duties of processors; and imposing penalties.
AI Summary
This bill establishes comprehensive consumer data privacy protections for Pennsylvania residents, creating a framework that gives consumers more control over their personal data while imposing specific obligations on businesses (called "controllers") that collect and process such data. Consumers are granted several key rights, including the ability to confirm what personal data is being processed, correct inaccuracies, delete their data, obtain a copy of their data, and opt out of certain data processing activities like targeted advertising or data sales. Controllers must limit data collection to what is necessary, protect the data with appropriate safeguards, obtain consent for processing sensitive data, and provide clear privacy notices explaining their data practices. The bill applies to businesses that meet certain revenue or data processing thresholds and includes extensive definitions of terms like "personal data," "sensitive data," and "targeted advertising." Enforcement is exclusively handled by the Pennsylvania Attorney General, who must initially provide businesses an opportunity to cure violations before taking action. The law will take effect one year after its passage, giving businesses time to adapt to the new requirements. Notably, the bill does not create a private right of action for consumers, meaning individuals cannot sue directly for violations, but violations can be treated as unfair trade practices.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Business and Industry, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (24)
Ed Neilson (D)*,
Mike Armanini (R),
Joe Ciresi (D),
Tina Davis (D),
Dan Frankel (D),
Bob Freeman (D),
Marla Gallo Brown (R),
Mark Gillen (R),
José Giral (D),
Liz Hanbidge (D),
Keith Harris (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Kristine Howard (D),
John Inglis (D),
Tarik Khan (D),
Robert Leadbeter (R),
Steve Mentzer (R),
Danielle Otten (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
John Schlegel (R),
Stephenie Scialabba (R),
Gregory Scott (D),
Perry Warren (D),
Dave Zimmerman (R),
Last Action
Re-referred to Communications & Technology (on 02/04/2026)
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