NEWS CENTER


 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee

(Oct 01, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Oct. 1 – State Rep. Arvind Venkat’s bill that would provide greater oversight to the implementation of artificial intelligence by health insurance companies when determining the appropriateness of claims was the subject of an informational hearing today in the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee. “The rapid growth in the use of artificial intelligence in the health industry may help improve the efficiency of processing insurance claims, but streamlining this process may deprive people of the human connection essential in doctor-patient relationships,” said Venkat, D-Allegheny. “My bill would not only keep that bond intact, but it would ensure that the deciding determination of claims is in the hands of qualified medical professionals and out of the hands of software programmed to make that call.” House Bill 1663 would place several requirements regarding AI that insurers must follow. They are: Disclosing to clinicians, subscribers and the public that claims evaluations use AI algorithms. Defining “algorithms used in claims review” as clinical review criteria and, therefore, ensuring they are subject to existing laws and regulations that such criteria is grounded in clinical evidence. Requiring specialized health care professionals who review claims for health insurance companies and rely on initial AI algorithms for such reviews to individually open each clinical record or clinical Read more

 

Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House

(May 08, 2024)

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Brian Munroe D-Bucks www.pahouse.com/Munroe Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House HARRISBURG, May 8 – State Rep. Brian Munroe’s bipartisan bill that he wrote with three teenagers to empower parents to help their children navigate social media passed the House today. House Bill 2017 , which passed 105-95, now heads to the Senate for consideration. “This bill will not solve all problems with social media, but what it does do is give parents a tool to help prevent bullying and other problems associated with these platforms,” Munroe said. Munroe crafted the legislation after meeting Max Jin, Luka Jonjic and Dylan Schwartz when they were students at Tamanend Middle School in 2023. The three, who are now students at Central Bucks High School South, won an award from C-SPAN for their documentary, America’s Silent Struggle: Social Media’s Impact on Teens’ Mental Health. The bipartisan legislation would put the following safeguards in place: Strengthen proof-of-age verification on social media platforms by requiring consent from a parent or legal guardian for anyone younger than 16 to open a social media account and notify Read more

 

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House

(Apr 30, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 30 – State Rep. Lindsay Powell’s bill that would ban tracking via a feature on devices manufactured by Apple Inc. passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. The legislation, H.B. 416 , would forbid the use of AirTags for any nefarious motive, with an emphasis on remote stalking. Bad actors have utilized AirTags to put trackers on vehicles and pinpoint the location of their victims. “Stalking in any form directly or indirectly impacts far too many residents in our state, country and worldwide. Not only that, the consistent advent of new technologies has made life even more perilous for people subjected to this crime,” Powell, D-Allegheny, said. “This bill would help neighbors stay safer across the commonwealth and keep them on level ground with people seeking to do them harm.” Multiple plaintiffs filed a class-action lawsuit against Apple in December of 2022 for remote stalking and despite the company’s attempt to dismiss the case, it is moving forward. AirTags, launched more than three years ago, is intended to help individuals find items that are often misplaced, such as keys, wallets or bookbags. The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration. Read more

 

Pielli’s artificial intelligence content disclosure bill passes PA House

(Apr 10, 2024)

HARRISBURG, April 1 0 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester , said today his legislation (H.B. 1598) to require the disclosure of content generated by artificial intelligence, or AI, has passed the PA House of Representatives. House Bill 1598 would require a disclosure on content generated by artificial intelligence for consumer goods. “The bill is simple. If it’s AI, it has to say it’s AI,” Pielli said. “People deserve to know if what they’re looking at is real or not when making purchases. This disclosure will be clear and conspicuous in the same medium as the content generated to help consumers make better-informed and more secure purchases. We also hope to curb possible misinformation by malicious authors who knowingly or recklessly generate and spread this content with the goal of fooling the public.” “Artificial intelligence is becoming a more prevalent component of our everyday lives,” he said. “As AI becomes more sophisticated, it will be impossible to verify the author of material and content produced. Additionally, the questionable veracity of some AI content has the potential to spread false information or images. “The law puts a responsibility on consumers with ‘Buyer Beware’ requirements. But how can a consumer fulfill that responsibility when they don’t’ know if what they are looking at is real or not? What if Read more

 

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy

(Apr 04, 2024)

“As new technology continues to emerge, we must raise awareness of data privacy to ensure Pennsylvanians have knowledge about the data being collected and relevant policies and laws,” Venkat said. “With this resolution, we will do just that.” Read more

 

House Commerce Committee works to protect consumers’ investments in cryptocurrencies

(Apr 04, 2024)

“As technology advances and cryptocurrency continues to emerge, we must protect consumers from financial collapses,” said Conklin, who serves as the majority chair of the House Commerce Committee. “With the global cryptocurrency market valued at $4.67 million in 2022 and expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030, consumers’ finances are at risk if the market goes under. House Bill 2081 would provide protections for consumers by requiring cryptocurrency lenders to reserve collateral. By doing so, we boost consumer confidence.” Read more

 

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing

(Feb 14, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Feb. 13 – Artificial intelligence was the topic of vast discussion at a House Majority Policy Committee hearing Tuesday morning, including how it’s already impacting everyday life and what comes next . The hearing was hosted by Reps. Chris Pielli (D-Chester), Bob Merski (D-Erie), and Jenn O’Mara (D-Delaware). It featured testimony from tech experts, medical professionals, and educators who discussed the different ways in which artificial intelligence has influenced their fields, and how they’re preparing to utilize it in the future. “As we delve into the world of artificial intelligence, it is crucial that we acknowledge not only the immense potential, but also the very real and pressing concerns that accompany this transformative technology,” said Pielli. “Conversations like these can help us craft thoughtful policies that promote innovation while safeguarding the interests, rights, and well-being of our constituents.” Tyler Clark, Director of State and Government Affairs at Microsoft, kicked off Tuesday’s hearing by testifying about Microsoft’s use of artificial intelligence, specifically about programs available to the public. Members like Merski noted AI’s uses for good, but also pointed out the ways it can be used nefariously. “Artificial intelligence can be fun and useful, but it can also be dangerous. People can do things now with AI that Read more

 

The Navy Yard Autonomous Shuttle

(Jan 25, 2024)

PA's first autonomous shuttle begins service in the Philadelphia Navy Yard Read more

 

PA becomes first state to partner with OpenAI on AI pilot program

(Jan 19, 2024)

Gov. Josh Shapiro announced that his administration is partnering with OpenAI on a new generative artificial intelligence pilot program that will give state employees access to OpenAI tools with enhanced security and privacy features, making Pennsylvania the first state to partner with OpenAI in the process. Read more

 

Nelson, Venkat introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy

(Jan 18, 2024)

HARRISBURG, Jan. 18 – Today, Reps. Napoleon Nelson, D-Montgomery, and Arvind Venkat, D-Allegheny, introduced a resolution to recognize Jan. 21-27 as Data Privacy Week. In 2022, data breaches affected more than 422 million people. “As new technology continues to emerge, we must raise awareness of data privacy to ensure Pennsylvanians have knowledge about the data being collected and relevant policies and laws,” Venkat said. “With this resolution, we will do just that.” Nelson added, “As data breaches become more and more common, it is important that we learn about and enact ways to protect our privacy in both our personal and work lives.” Now, with technology such as artificial intelligence emerging, it’s important to protect privacy , Nelson and Venkat noted. Together, they will work with members of the House of Representatives, as well as the Emerging Technologies Caucus, to pass legislation to enhance data privacy laws in Pennsylvania. ### House Democrats are committed to promoting better jobs, better schools and better communities. Putting people ahead of politics, House Democrats are leading the charge to lower taxes, help workers save for retirement, put more teachers in local schools, and make communities safer. More information on these successful efforts is at pahouse.com/deliveringforpa . Read more

 

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org

(Nov 09, 2023)

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org Read more

 

Nelson Discusses AI and Automated Decision Systems

(May 08, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson met with members of the University of Pennsylvania's School of Engineering and Wharton School of Business to discuss Artificial Intelligence and other Automated Decision systems. Read more

 

Nelson: House Emerging Tech Caucus Fireside Chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law

(Sep 15, 2021)

Pa. State House Rep. Napoleon Nelson, Democratic Chair of the Pa. House Emerging Tech Caucus, has a fireside chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law. Read more

 

Napoleon Nelson hosting ‘fireside chats’ with blockchain technology insiders

(Sep 14, 2021)

Nelson launched the Emerging Technologies Caucus this spring to help the commonwealth’s elected leaders learn about new and developing technology by working closely with innovators, including academics, entrepreneurs and businesses, and to help foster innovation while responsibly allowing Pennsylvania to compete in the new digital era. Read more

 

Nelson: Emerging Tech Caucus Highlights Innovation

(Aug 11, 2021)

Pa. state Rep. Napoleon Nelson and the Emerging Technologies Caucus visited Ben Franklin Technology PArtners in Philadelphia to learn about blockchain, robotics and other innovative technologies that are helping build transformative companies and communities across the commonwealth. Read more

 

Napoleon Nelson introduces blockchain technology bill package

(Aug 11, 2021)

The two proposals from Nelson – H.B. 1370 and H.R. 121 – would permit businesses in Pennsylvania to develop blockchain-based products in a controlled way, while exploring the regulatory environment in anticipation of future growth. Read more

 

Aurora Innovation Tour

(Jul 19, 2021)

https://aurora.tech/ Read more

 

Virtual Hearing

(Jul 19, 2021)

Read more

 

Development and transparency in digital currencies focus of Nelson’s House Democratic Policy Committee

(Jul 19, 2021)

Nelson recently established the bipartisan House Emerging Technologies Caucus in Pennsylvania and has an extensive background in finance and technology. He brought together a cast of world-renowned digital currency experts to inform the committee on what is blockchain and cryptocurrency and how Pennsylvania can position itself as a leader in adapting new technologies. Read more

 

Blockchain, cryptocurrencies and sandbox legislation focus of Monday’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing

(Jul 16, 2021)

HARRISBURG, July 16 -- As blockchain and cryptocurrency become part of the mainstream conversation, Pennsylvania must prepare its digital future and state Rep. Napoleon Nelson is hosting a House Democratic Policy Committee discussion with industry experts to discover how the state can do so. The hearing will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 19 in the House Democratic Caucus Room, 4th Floor, Main Capitol Building. Nelson, D-Montgomery, who recently introduced the bipartisan House Emerging Technologies Caucus, said he is eager to begin this conversation and have his colleagues at the table to discuss the nuances of cryptocurrencies. He also intends to introduce sandbox legislation aimed at testing how to responsibly adopt such new and innovative technologies and to implement regulations. Testifiers will include some of Pennsylvania's blockchain industry leaders, including: Andrew Bull , founder, Bull Blockchain Law. Gerard Dache , executive director, Government Blockchain Association – Global. Tonya Evans , founder | Advantage Evans Academy, and professor, Penn State Dickinson School of Law. Brian Knight , director of innovation and governance/ senior research fellow | Mercatus Center at George Mason University. Scott Nissenbaum , president & CEO | Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern PA. Kevin Werbach , professor, legal Read more

 

Venkat legislation to regulate use of artificial intelligence in processing health insurance claims discussed in committee
Oct 01, 2024

Munroe’s bipartisan social media bill passes House
May 08, 2024

Powell’s bill to prohibit remote stalking passes Pa. House
Apr 30, 2024

Pielli’s artificial intelligence content disclosure bill passes PA House
Apr 10, 2024

Venkat, Nelson introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy
Apr 04, 2024

House Commerce Committee works to protect consumers’ investments in cryptocurrencies
Apr 04, 2024

Lawmakers discuss future of artificial intelligence during House Majority Policy hearing
Feb 14, 2024

The Navy Yard Autonomous Shuttle
Jan 25, 2024

PA becomes first state to partner with OpenAI on AI pilot program
Jan 19, 2024

Nelson, Venkat introduce resolution to raise awareness of data privacy
Jan 18, 2024

COINBASE & Stand with Crypto.org
Nov 09, 2023

Nelson Discusses AI and Automated Decision Systems
May 08, 2023

Nelson: House Emerging Tech Caucus Fireside Chat with Andrew Bull of Bull Blockchain Law
Sep 15, 2021

Napoleon Nelson hosting ‘fireside chats’ with blockchain technology insiders
Sep 14, 2021

Nelson: Emerging Tech Caucus Highlights Innovation
Aug 11, 2021

Napoleon Nelson introduces blockchain technology bill package
Aug 11, 2021

Aurora Innovation Tour
Jul 19, 2021

Virtual Hearing
Jul 19, 2021

Development and transparency in digital currencies focus of Nelson’s House Democratic Policy Committee
Jul 19, 2021

Blockchain, cryptocurrencies and sandbox legislation focus of Monday’s House Democratic Policy Committee hearing
Jul 16, 2021