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Bill

Bill

HB 78

An Act providing for consumer data privacy, for duties of controllers and for duties of processors; and imposing penalties.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Armanini and 25 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania establishes consumer data privacy requirements for businesses, granting residents data rights while mandating controller and processor compliance with enforcement penalties.

Second consideration
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 78

Legislative bill overview

HB 78 establishes a comprehensive consumer data privacy framework for Pennsylvania, defining obligations for data controllers (entities that determine how personal data is used) and processors (entities that handle data on behalf of controllers). The bill includes enforcement mechanisms and penalties for violations, creating a state-level privacy standard similar to models adopted by other states.

Why is this important

As digital data collection expands, Pennsylvania consumers currently lack state-specific privacy protections beyond federal regulations. This bill would give residents rights to access, delete, and potentially opt-out of data sales, while creating clear compliance requirements for businesses operating in the state. The framework addresses a regulatory gap and may influence how companies handle Pennsylvanian resident data.

Potential points of contention

  • Business compliance costs: Small and mid-sized businesses may face significant expenses implementing new data handling systems and compliance infrastructure, potentially disadvantaging smaller competitors against larger corporations with existing privacy frameworks
  • Scope and definition clarity: The bill's definitions of "controller" and "processor" could create ambiguity about which businesses are subject to requirements, potentially leading to inconsistent compliance or legal disputes
  • Enforcement and penalty structure: Questions remain about enforcement mechanisms—whether state attorney general resources are adequate to investigate violations and whether penalty levels are proportionate to violations or create excessive liability exposure

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

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