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HB 2551

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties in general, providing for certain text-based communications prohibited.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jessica Benham and 26 co-sponsors

The bill would prohibit certain text-based communications and give state agencies power to regulate, enforce, and penalize violations under The Administrative Code.

Referred to Communications & Technology
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Bill Summary · HB 2551

Purpose and intent

  • HB 2551 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania) proposes amending The Administrative Code of 1929 (Act of April 9, 1929, P.L. 177, No. 175) to address text-based communications. The bill aims to prohibit certain forms of text-based communications, establishing rules and authorities to regulate or restrict text-based messaging in specified contexts.

Key provisions and changes

  • Text-based communications prohibition: The bill provides for prohibitions on certain types of text-based communications. While the exact language is not included in the summary page, the central thrust is to restrict or regulate text messages, likely to protect consumers, patients, or the public from harmful, deceptive, or unlawful communications.
  • Administrative Code amendments: The act would amend The Administrative Code of 1929 in the “powers and duties in general” area to incorporate and enforce the new prohibitions on text-based communications.
  • Regulatory framework: The bill would assign duties to state officials and agencies to implement, administer, and enforce the prohibitions, including potential rulemaking, compliance oversight, and penalties for violations.
  • Related forms of communication: The focus is on text-based communications, which may include SMS, MMS, short messaging services, and possibly other text-based electronic communications, depending on the final language.
  • Oversight and enforcement mechanisms: Expect provisions detailing the roles of the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and related state offices in enforcing the prohibitions, along with enforcement timelines and penalties.

Who would be affected

  • State agencies and the Governor’s office: Responsible for implementing and enforcing the new prohibitions.
  • Entities engaged in text-based communications within Pennsylvania: Businesses, contractors, and possibly licensed professionals subject to the text-based communications prohibitions.
  • General public and consumers: Indirectly protected by reducing prohibited or harmful text-based communications.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Legislative journey:
    • Referred to Professional Licensure in the House (Oct. 17, 2025).
    • Reported as committed (Oct. 28, 2025), with consideration and amendments.
    • Passed House floor on Nov. 17, 2025 (final passage noted: 202-0).
    • Referred to the Senate, then to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure (Nov. 24, 2025).
    • Senate amendments adopted (Feb. 4, 2026) and reported as amended.
    • Re-referred to Appropriations in Senate (May 5, 2026).
  • Fiscal notes and supporting materials: House and Senate amendments and fiscal notes accompany the bill, indicating potential budgetary considerations for enforcement and administration.
  • Current status (as of latest update): Referred to Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities in the Senate (May 28, 2026).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Public safety and consumer protection: By prohibiting certain text-based communications, the bill aims to curb deceptive, harassing, or unsafe messaging practices.
  • Regulatory burden: Government agencies would gain new rulemaking and enforcement responsibilities, potentially requiring staffing and resources.
  • Compliance requirements: Entities engaging in text-based communications may need to adjust practices to comply with the prohibitions, preprocess communications, and maintain records for enforcement purposes.
  • Legal framework: The bill would integrate prohibitions into The Administrative Code, giving the Governor and Commonwealth agencies authority to enforce, with penalties for noncompliance.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated aims and procedural history as presented in the bill text overview. For precise prohibitions, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “text-based communications” and which entities are regulated), penalties, and enforcement mechanisms, consult the bill’s enacted text and any Senate amendments.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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