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HB 2546

An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in authority of Department of Transportation, further providing for authority of department by prohibiting certain activity relating to automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kerry Benninghoff and 30 co-sponsors

HB 2546 would restrict PennDOT’s use of ADS-B data and broadcasts, redefining its authority and potentially limiting how ADS-B is accessed or utilized.

Referred to Transportation
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2546

Overview

HB 2546 is a Pennsylvania bill introduced in the 2025-2026 session that seeks to amend Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The core aim is to modify the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) authority by prohibiting certain activity related to automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts (ADS-B).

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary subject: Transportation law; Department of Transportation
  • Principal goal: Limit or prohibit specific activities concerning ADS-B broadcasts as they pertain to automatic dependent surveillance systems

Purpose and intent

  • To refine PennDOT’s authority under Title 74 by addressing ADS-B related activities.
  • The bill appears to constrain or prohibit certain actions or uses of ADS-B broadcasts by PennDOT, with the objective of regulating how ADS-B information is accessed, transmitted, or utilized in relation to transportation operations and enforcement.

Key provisions (provisions to be confirmed in the bill text)

  • Amends Title 74 to include explicit prohibitions or restrictions related to ADS-B broadcasts.
  • Defines the scope of “automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts” and clarifies what activities PennDOT may not engage in or must refrain from performing.
  • Potentially sets penalties, enforcement mechanisms, or exemptions tied to ADS-B activities.
  • May specify the relationship between ADS-B data usage and privacy, security, or civil liberties considerations.
  • Could outline compliance requirements for PennDOT and related agencies, as well as timelines for implementation.

Note: The exact statutory language and specific prohibitions are not provided in the summary prompt. The above reflects typical content such amendments might include (prohibitions, definitions, enforcement, exemptions). The final text would detail exact prohibitions, affected programs, and any transitional provisions.

Who would be affected

  • PennDOT and its personnel: As the primary agency subject to the amendment, with potential restrictions on how ADS-B data and broadcasts are used.
  • Transportation operators and stakeholders: Entities interacting with ADS-B data (e.g., airspace-adjacent operations, traffic management, or drone/aviation-related activities) may face new compliance requirements or restrictions.
  • General public and privacy/security interests: Depending on the scope, ADS-B data handling could implicate privacy or data security considerations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced and sponsored by a broad coalition of legislators (a large number of co-sponsors listed).
  • Legislative pathway: As with typical PA House bills, would move through committee review (likely Transportation & Ports, and possibly others), potential amendments, floor consideration, and passage by the House, followed by Senate consideration and potential reconciling amendments, then governor's signature.
  • Implementation: If enacted, the bill would specify effective dates for different provisions, any phased-in requirements, and compliance deadlines for PennDOT and related agencies.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Administrative impact: PennDOT would need to adjust policies, procedures, and systems to comply with ADS-B prohibitions or restrictions.
  • Operational impact: Could affect how ADS-B data is used in traffic management, enforcement, or public safety applications.
  • Privacy and security: Provisions may address concerns about data collection, dissemination, or surveillance related to ADS-B.
  • Budget and resources: Changes could entail training, policy development, or IT/security investments.

Summary

HB 2546 proposes amending Title 74 to restrict or prohibit certain activities involving automatic dependent surveillance broadcasts by PennDOT. While the exact prohibitions and mechanisms await the bill’s full text, the measure centers on redefining the department’s authority over ADS-B data and related activities, with potential implications for PennDOT operations, aviation/traffic stakeholders, and privacy/security considerations. Readers should consult the full bill language and committee analyses for precise definitions, prohibitions, penalties, and implementation timelines.

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

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