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Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.

(Mar 12, 2025)

HARRISBURG, March 12 – State Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, along with state Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, D-Philadelphia, today introduced a bill to protect net neutrality in Pennsylvania. Net neutrality is the rule that all internet service providers (ISP) cannot block, slow down, or speed up content delivery based on the content, user or device. With only a handful of companies providing these services, the rule is necessary to ensure fair practices. According to Smith-Wade-El, federal protections protecting net neutrality were removed on January 2, 2025, when the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit issued a decision striking down the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) net neutrality rule that required all Internet service providers (ISPs) to treat all consumers equally. This decision is expected to change the way Internet and streaming services work, resulting in increased costs for consumers. “The Internet is not a luxury but a daily necessity,” Smith-Wade-El said. “The tech oligarchy is trying to drive up our internet costs, making a “fair and fast” internet available only to the rich. My legislation would fight back against their monopoly, making it illegal for ISPs to block lawful Internet content, impede Internet traffic or otherwise engage in any activity that would negatively affect the Internet experience of Pennsylvania subscribers. A new chapter would be added to Title 66 (Public Utilities) Read more

 

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking

(Feb 05, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell, D-Allegheny, has reintroduced a bill that would ban the unauthorized tracking of victims using AirTags and similar devices. House Bill 407 would forbid the use of AirTags and similar technology for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims, but Pennsylvania still hasn’t outlined penalties for abusing this technology. “This bill cannot undo the damage—physical and mental—that victims have endured, but it is a step in the right direction to ensuring that would-be stalkers will never again be able to perpetrate such abuse in Pennsylvania without being held accountable by the law,” Powell said. “By embracing a proactive approach to regulating technology, we can harness its potential to foster a society where innovation thrives, and our neighbors remain safe.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. House Bill 407, previously H.B. 416, passed with a near unanimous vote in last year’s session. The bill has been referred to the body’s Judiciary Read more

 

Nelson introduces bill to ensure accuracy in use of AI in state government and public schools

(Jan 31, 2025)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 31 – State Rep. Napoleon Nelson, joined by state Reps. Paul Friel, Steven Malagari, Chris Pielli and Robert E. Merski, announced this week forthcoming legislation aimed at curbing the use of artificial intelligence tools in schools and by state government agencies. "As technology continues to evolve, we must ensure that it is used responsibly -- especially when it directly impacts the people we serve," said Nelson, who serves on both the House Education Committee and the House Communications & Technology Committee. "Pennsylvania taxpayers and students have the right to expect factual and reliable information when they interact with government officials or educators. AI tools are already incredibly powerful and often deliver significant workplace efficiencies, but they are prone to, frankly, making stuff up. If a student is in a classroom to learn or a resident is reaching out to their government seeking assistance, the worst thing we could do is put someone in front of them that speaks with authority and but is not speaking in truth." The legislation, which has yet to be formally introduced, would require that any AI tool or agent used in direct communication with Pennsylvania residents or students -- whether in state government offices or public schools -- meets a minimum standard of factual accuracy. It would also introduce an audit process to regularly assess AI-generated content and ensure any Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House

(May 08, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Brian Munroe D-Bucks www.pahouse.com/Munroe Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House HARRISBURG, May 8 – State Rep. Brian Munroe’s bipartisan bill that he wrote with three teenagers to empower parents to help their children navigate social media passed the House today. House Bill 2017 , which passed 105-95, now heads to the Senate for consideration. “This bill will not solve all problems with social media, but what it does do is give parents a tool to help prevent bullying and other problems associated with these platforms,” Munroe said. Munroe crafted the legislation after meeting Max Jin, Luka Jonjic and Dylan Schwartz when they were students at Tamanend Middle School in 2023. The three, who are now students at Central Bucks High School South, won an award from C-SPAN for their documentary, America’s Silent Struggle: Social Media’s Impact on Teens’ Mental Health. The bipartisan legislation would put the following safeguards in place: Strengthen proof-of-age verification on social media platforms by requiring consent from a parent or legal guardian for anyone younger than 16 to open a social media account and notify Read more

 

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House

(Apr 30, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would ban tracking via a feature on devices manufactured by Apple Inc. passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 416 , would forbid the use of AirTags for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims. “Stalking in any form directly or indirectly impacts far too many residents in our state, country and worldwide. Not only that, the consistent advent of new technologies has made life even more perilous for people subjected to this crime,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “This bill would help neighbors stay safer across the commonwealth and keep them on level ground with people seeking to do them harm.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December of 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Pielli’s artificial intelligence content disclosure bill passes PA House

(Apr 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 1 0 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester , said today his legislation (H.B. 1598) to require the disclosure of content generated by artificial intelligence, or AI, has passed the PA House of Representatives. House Bill 1598 would require a disclosure on content generated by artificial intelligence for consumer goods. “The bill is simple. If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI,” Pielli said. “People deserve to know if what they’re looking at is real or not when making purchases. This disclosure will be clear and conspicuous in the same medium as the content generated to help consumers make better-informed and more secure purchases. We also hope to curb possible misinformation by malicious authors who knowingly or recklessly generate and spread this content with the goal of fooling the public.” “Artificial intelligence is becoming a more prevalent component of our everyday lives,” he said. “As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be impossible to verify the author of material and content produced. Additionally, the questionable veracity of some AI content has the potential to spread false information or images. “The law puts a responsibility on consumers with ‘Buyer Beware’ requirements. But how can a consumer fulfill that responsibility when they don’t’ know if what they are looking at is real or not? What if Read more

 

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy

(Apr 04, 2024)

“As new technology continues to emerge, we must raise awareness of data privacy to ensure Pennsylvanians have knowledge about the data being collected and relevant policies and laws,” Venkat said. “With this resolution, we will do just that.” Read more

 

House Commerce Committee works to protect consumers’ investments in cryptocurrencies

(Apr 04, 2024)

“As technology advances and cryptocurrency continues to emerge, we must protect consumers from financial collapses,” said Conklin, who serves as the majority chair of the House Commerce Committee. “With the global cryptocurrency market valued at $4.67 million in 2022 and expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030, consumers’ finances are at risk if the market goes under. House Bill 2081 would provide protections for consumers by requiring cryptocurrency lenders to reserve collateral. By doing so, we boost consumer confidence.” Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing

(Feb 14, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – Artificial intelligence was the topic of vast discussion at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing Tuesday morning, including how it’s already impacting everyday life and what comes next . The hearing was hosted by Reps. Chris Pielli (D-Chester), Bob Merski (D-Erie), and Jenn O’Mara (D-Delaware). It featured testimony from tech experts, medical professionals, and educators who discussed the different ways in which artificial intelligence has influenced their fields, and how they’re preparing to utilize it in the future. “As we delve into the world of artificial intelligence, it is crucial that we acknowledge not only the immense potential, but also the very real and pressing concerns that accompany this transformative technology,” said Pielli. “Conversations like these can help us craft thoughtful policies that promote innovation while safeguarding the interests, rights, and well-being of our constituents.” Tyler Clark, Director of State and Government Affairs at Microsoft, kicked off Tuesday’s hearing by testifying about Microsoft’s use of artificial intelligence, specifically about programs available to the public. Members like Merski noted AI’s uses for good, but also pointed out the ways it can be used nefariously. “Artificial intelligence can be fun and useful, but it can also be dangerous. People can do things now with AI that Read more

 

The Navy Yard Autonomous Shuttle

(Jan 25, 2024)

PA's first autonomous shuttle begins service in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Read more

 

PA becomes first state to partner with OpenAI on AI pilot program

(Jan 19, 2024)

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that his administration is partnering with OpenAI on a new generative artificial intelligence pilot program that will give state employees access to OpenAI tools with enhanced security and privacy features, making Pennsylvania the first state to partner with OpenAI in the process. Read more

 

Nelson, Venkat introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy

(Jan 18, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 18 – Today, Reps. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, and Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, introduced a resolution to recognize Jan. 21-27 as Data Privacy Week. In 2022, data breaches affected more than 422 million people. “As new technology continues to emerge, we must raise awareness of data privacy to ensure Pennsylvanians have knowledge about the data being collected and relevant policies and laws,” Venkat said. “With this resolution, we will do just that.” Nelson added, “As data breaches become more and more common, it is important that we learn about and enact ways to protect our privacy in both our personal and work lives.” Now, with technology such as artificial intelligence emerging, it’s important to protect privacy , Nelson and Venkat noted. Together, they will work with members of the House of Representatives, as well as the Emerging Technologies Caucus, to pass legislation to enhance data privacy laws in Pennsylvania. ### House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa . Read more

 

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org

(Nov 09, 2023)

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org Read more

 

Nelson Discusses AI and Automated Decision Systems

(May 08, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson met with members of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Wharton School of Business to discuss Artificial Intelligence and other Automated Decision systems. Read more

 

Nelson: House Emerging Tech Caucus Fireside Chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law

(Sep 15, 2021)

Pa. State House Rep. Napoleon Nelson, Democratic Chair of the Pa. House Emerging Tech Caucus, has a fireside chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law. Read more

 

Napoleon Nelson hosting ‘fireside chats’ with blockchain technology insiders

(Sep 14, 2021)

Nelson launched the Emerging Technologies Caucus this spring to help the commonwealth’s elected leaders learn about new and developing technology by working closely with innovators, including academics, entrepreneurs and businesses, and to help foster innovation while responsibly allowing Pennsylvania to compete in the new digital era. Read more

 

Nelson: Emerging Tech Caucus Highlights Innovation

(Aug 11, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson and the Emerging Technologies Caucus visited Ben Franklin Technology PArtners in Philadelphia to learn about blockchain, robotics and other innovative technologies that are helping build transformative companies and communities across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Napoleon Nelson introduces blockchain technology bill package

(Aug 11, 2021)

The two proposals from Nelson – H.B. 1370 and H.R. 121 – would permit businesses in Pennsylvania to develop blockchain-based products in a controlled way, while exploring the regulatory environment in anticipation of future growth. Read more

 

Aurora Innovation Tour

(Jul 19, 2021)

https://aurora.tech/ Read more

 

Smith-Wade-El introduces bill protecting net neutrality in Pa.
Mar 12, 2025

Powell introduces bill to prohibit remote stalking
Feb 05, 2025

Nelson introduces bill to ensure accuracy in use of AI in state government and public schools
Jan 31, 2025

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House
May 08, 2024

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House
Apr 30, 2024

Pielli’s artificial intelligence content disclosure bill passes PA House
Apr 10, 2024

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy
Apr 04, 2024

House Commerce Committee works to protect consumers’ investments in cryptocurrencies
Apr 04, 2024

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing
Feb 14, 2024

The Navy Yard Autonomous Shuttle
Jan 25, 2024

PA becomes first state to partner with OpenAI on AI pilot program
Jan 19, 2024

Nelson, Venkat introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy
Jan 18, 2024

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org
Nov 09, 2023

Nelson Discusses AI and Automated Decision Systems
May 08, 2023

Nelson: House Emerging Tech Caucus Fireside Chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law
Sep 15, 2021

Napoleon Nelson hosting ‘fireside chats’ with blockchain technology insiders
Sep 14, 2021

Nelson: Emerging Tech Caucus Highlights Innovation
Aug 11, 2021

Napoleon Nelson introduces blockchain technology bill package
Aug 11, 2021

Aurora Innovation Tour
Jul 19, 2021