Democrats Prioritize Small Businesses, Youth in Data Privacy Push

HARRISBURG, Pa. — Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing competing data privacy proposals, with Democrats emphasizing protections for small businesses and young consumers.

Democrats in the state Senate plan to reintroduce a bill from the last session that would allow consumers to know what personal data businesses collect about them. Their proposal would exempt small businesses that may struggle to comply and include a broad ban on selling private data of consumers under 16.

Meanwhile, Rep. Robert Leadbeter (R-Columbia) of the House Freedom Caucus is seeking co-sponsors for "The Personal Privacy Protection Act." The Republican-led measure aims to ensure transparency regarding how businesses collect, store and share consumer data but does not include specific exemptions for small businesses or a blanket ban on selling minors’ data.