Small business owners in Pennsylvania understand that trust is foundational for any successful business — especially when it comes to handling personal data.
Whether it’s a corner bakery in Erie, a tech startup in Pittsburgh, or a clothing boutique in West Philly, we all have a better chance at long-term success when our customers feel confident that their personal information is being handled responsibly.
That’s why I support House Bill 78.
This long-overdue legislation gives Pennsylvanians the right to understand, control, and safeguard their personal data. It also sets clear standards for how companies should handle consumer information, empowering individuals while giving businesses like mine the guidance we need to comply.
HB 78 offers a thoughtful, workable approach that sets clear expectations for businesses while allowing us to stay focused on serving our customers. It gives consumers the ability to know what data is being collected, to opt out of certain types of data use, and to expect that their personal information will be handled with care and respect.
We’re also encouraged that the bill puts enforcement in the hands of Pennsylvania’s Attorney General. It ensures that bad actors will be held accountable, without creating an opening for out-of-state law firms to prey on Pennsylvania businesses with opportunistic lawsuits.
Small to mid-sized businesses don’t have big legal teams or compliance departments. We need privacy laws that are straightforward, fair, and stable — so we can focus on serving our communities, not fending off lawsuits or untangling complex rules. Let’s keep HB 78 focused on what matters: real protections, real accountability, and real clarity.
When Pennsylvanians trust that their privacy is being respected, that trust carries over to the businesses they choose to support. HB 78 gives us the tools to uphold that trust. Now it’s time for lawmakers to pass the legislation.