COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE 06/13/06

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee met on Tuesday, June 13, 2006, and reported out the following bill unanimously, as amended:

Senate Bill 1036 (Conti) - This bill would amend the Crimes Code to create a new offense called “phishing,” which is the practice of sending an electronic mail that fraudulently claims to represent a legitimate business and using that communication to solicit identifying information.  Sen. Wonderling offered amendment A7726, which replaced the bill’s original language.  The amendment language specifies that if a victim provides information, the actor could be charged with a third-degree felony.  If the actor sells or distributes the information, he could be charged with a second-degree felony.  Under the amendment, the Attorney General would have sole jurisdiction to prosecute violations.  The amendment also provides Internet service providers and other Web site owners with standing to seek civil relief if their business is misrepresented by a phisher.  A vote of 11-0 was recorded on the amendment and bill.

COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE 12/6/05

The Senate Communications and Technology Committee met on Tuesday, December 6, 2005, and reported out the following bills unanimously as amended:

Senate Bill 770 (Connie Williams) – This bill would provide for electronic postmarks and their use by state government.  Sen. Williams offered amendment A4799, which stipulates that electronic postmarks may not be used for service of original process of a summons, complaint, or other legal papers and requires that both parties agree to the use of electronic postmarks.

Senate Bill 936 (Corman) – This bill would provide for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone service and establish the VoIP Emergency Services Fund.  Sen. Corman offered amendment A4789, which clarifies the definition of a VoIP customer, provides for customers who purchase multiple access lines, provides for customer confidentiality, and changes the effective date of the act to 120 days from passage.

COMMUNICATIONS AND HIGH TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE 6/13/05

The Senate Communications & Technology Committee met on Monday, June 13, 2005, and unanimously reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 713 (Wonderling) – This bill would require consumers to opt-in for listing in any cellular phone provider’s directory.  Also, cell phone owners may not be charged an additional fee for having an unlisted number.

Senate Resolution 126 (Thompson) – This resolution would designate the week of June 19-25, 2005 as “Biosciences Week” in Pennsylvania.

The following bills were unanimously reported out as amended:

Senate Bill 711 (Gordner) – This bill would prohibit the distribution of “spyware” that modifies a user’s preferences or security settings, collects personal information, or takes control of a user’s computer.  Sen. Gordner offered amendment A1485, which would add definitions, make technical changes, and stipulate that district attorneys and the attorney general both have the power to prosecute offenders under this legislation.

Senate Bill 712 (Wonderling) – This bill would require companies to notify consumers when their personal information (including social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, and banking information) has been revealed due to a security system breach.  Sen. Wonderling offered amendment A1533, which makes technical changes, gives sole jurisdiction to the attorney general, states that a company fulfilling any federal requirements for notification shall be in compliance with state law, and requires notification to the credit agencies in the event that over 1,000 consumers must be contacted.

Senate Bill 601 (Wonderling) – This bill would provide for the confidentiality of social security numbers.  Sen. Wonderling offered amendment A1493, which would extend jurisdiction to both district attorneys and the attorney general, and amendment A1548, which would require social security numbers transmitted through the mail not be printed on the envelope or visible from outside the envelope.