Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: In Committee 3 R cosponsors

SB 939 — Establishing the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Artificial Intelligence, Data Center and Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox Program; and providing for powers and duties of office and for permits for high impact data centers that have their own power.

Last action — Amended in Senate Committee on Communications & Technology

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced July 14, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Prognosis

Advancing 40% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 3 sponsors

    1 primary, 2 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (3 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

677 added · 570 removed

Plain-language change summary

The updated bill, SB 939, now clearly establishes the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and outlines specific duties related to high-impact data centers, specifically those that generate their own power. Additionally, some sections that were previously included, such as the regulatory sandbox program for artificial intelligence and data centers, have been removed or reserved for potential future use. These changes streamline the focus of the bill toward high-impact data centers and may improve the state's ability to manage and support emerging technologies efficiently. This is important as it will help in creating a more organized regulatory environment for the growing tech industry.

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PRINTER'S NO.
PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
1048 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
1048 PRINTER'S NO.
939 2025 INTRODUCED BY ROTHMAN AND PENNYCUICK, JULY 14, 2025 REFERRED TO COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY, JULY 14, 2025 AN ACT Providing for high impact data centers;
1424 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.
establishing the Office Intelligence, Data Center and Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox Program;
939 2025 INTRODUCED BY ROTHMAN, PENNYCUICK, FLYNN AND VOGEL, JULY 14, 2025 SENATOR PENNYCUICK, COMMUNICATIONS AND TECHNOLOGY, AS AMENDED, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 AN ACT Providing for high impact data centers;
and providing for powers and duties of office.
establishing <-- ESTABLISHING the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and <-- the Artificial Intelligence, Data Center and Emerging powers and duties of office AND FOR PERMITS FOR HIGH IMPACT DATA CENTERS THAT HAVE THEIR OWN POWER.
TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1.
<-- TABLE OF CONTENTS Chapter 1.
High Impact Data Centers Section 301.
High Impact Data Centers <-- Section 301.
Chapter 5.
CHAPTER 3.
(RESERVED) <-- Chapter 5.
Definitions.
Definitions (RESERVED).
Section 502.
<-- Section 502.
Fast Track Section 701.
Fast Track <-- Section 701.
CHAPTER 7.
BRING YOUR OWN GENERATION <-- SECTION 701.
PERMIT APPROVAL.
SECTION 702.
DEEMED APPROVAL OF PERMIT.
SECTION 703.
CRITERIA.
CHAPTER 1 PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS Section 101.
CHAPTER 1 20250SB0939PN1424 - 2 - PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS Section 101.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the 20250SB0939PN1048 - 2 - context clearly indicates otherwise:
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Affiliated group." One or more chains of corporations, limited liability entities or partnerships, or any combination thereof, connected through the ownership of stock or ownership interests with a common parent that is a corporation, limited liability entity or partnership, but only if the common parent owns directly, or indirectly, a controlling interest in each of the members of the group.
"Affiliated group." One or more chains of corporations, <-- limited liability entities or partnerships, or any combination thereof, connected through the ownership of stock or ownership interests with a common parent that is a corporation, limited liability entity or partnership, but only if the common parent owns directly, or indirectly, a controlling interest in each of the members of the group.
"AFFILIATED GROUP." A PERSON THAT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, <-- THROUGH ONE OR MORE INTERMEDIARIES, CONTROLS OR IS CONTROLLED BY, OR IS UNDER COMMON CONTROL WITH THE PERSON SPECIFIED.
"APPLICABLE AGENCY." ANY DEPARTMENT, BOARD OR COMMISSION OF THE COMMONWEALTH.
"APPLICANT." AN INDIVIDUAL OR ENTITY THAT APPLIES TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM.
20250SB0939PN1424 - 3 - "ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE." THE FOLLOWING:
(1) A MACHINE-BASED SYSTEM THAT CAN, FOR A GIVEN SET OF HUMAN-DEFINED OBJECTIVES, MAKE PREDICTIONS, RECOMMENDATIONS OR DECISIONS INFLUENCING REAL OR VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS, INCLUDING THE ABILITY TO:
(I) PERCEIVE REAL AND VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS;
(II) ABSTRACT PERCEPTIONS MADE UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH INTO MODELS THROUGH ANALYSIS IN AN AUTOMATED MANNER;
AND (III) USE MODEL INFERENCE TO FORMULATE OPTIONS FOR INFORMATION OR ACTION BASED ON OUTCOMES UNDER SUBPARAGRAPHS (I) AND (II).
(2) THE TERM INCLUDES GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
"ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OR SERVICE." A PRODUCT OR SERVICE INVOLVING ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY THAT REQUIRES COMMONWEALTH LICENSURE, REGISTRATION OR OTHER AUTHORIZATION.
"CONSUMER." A PERSON THAT PURCHASES OR OTHERWISE ENTERS INTO A TRANSACTION AGREEMENT TO RECEIVE AN INNOVATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT IS BEING TESTED BY A PARTICIPANT.
"Emerging technology." Technologies still in development and deemed by the office to have a significant impact on society in the next decade, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, robotics and blockchain technology.
"Emerging technology." Technologies still in development and deemed by the office to have a significant impact on society in <-- 20250SB0939PN1424 - 4 - the next decade, including, but not limited to, artificial intelligence, robotics and blockchain technology.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 3 - (2) Consists of one or more parcels in this Commonwealth, along with the buildings, substations and other infrastructure, fixtures and personal property located on the parcels.
(2) Consists of one or more parcels in this Commonwealth, along with the buildings, substations and other infrastructure, fixtures and personal property located on the parcels.
"GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE." THE CLASS OF MODELS <-- THAT EMULATE THE STRUCTURE AND CHARACTERISTICS OF INPUT DATA IN ORDER TO GENERATE DERIVED SYNTHETIC CONTENT, INCLUDING INFORMATION SUCH AS IMAGES, VIDEOS, AUDIO CLIPS OR TEXT, THAT HAS BEEN SIGNIFICANTLY MODIFIED OR GENERATED BY ALGORITHMS, INCLUDING BY ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE.
"Normal data processing activity." Activity conducted by a data center that is part of regular daily operations.
"Normal data processing activity." Activity conducted by a <-- data center that is part of regular daily operations.
"INNOVATION." THE USE OR INCORPORATION OF A NEW OR EMERGING <-- TECHNOLOGY, OR A NEW USE OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY, INCLUDING BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY, TO ADDRESS A PROBLEM, PROVIDE A BENEFIT OR OTHERWISE OFFER A PRODUCT, SERVICE, BUSINESS MODEL OR DELIVERY MECHANISM KNOWN BY THE OFFICE TO HAVE A COMPARABLE WIDESPREAD OFFERING IN THIS COMMONWEALTH.
20250SB0939PN1424 - 5 - "INNOVATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OR SERVICE." AN ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OR SERVICE THAT INCLUDES AN INNOVATION.
"PARTICIPANT." A PERSON WHO HAS APPLIED TO PARTICIPATE IN <-- THE PROGRAM AND HAS BEEN ACCEPTED BY THE OFFICE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE PROGRAM.
Show all 118 changed rows (78 more)
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"PROGRAM." THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY REGULATORY SANDBOX PROGRAM ESTABLISHED UNDER THIS ACT.
"TEST." THE PROVISION OF AN INNOVATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY PRODUCT OR SERVICE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS CHAPTER.
CHAPTER 3 HIGH IMPACT DATA CENTERS Section 301.
CHAPTER 3 <-- HIGH IMPACT DATA CENTERS Section 301.
or (ii) if the owner reasonably anticipates that the 20250SB0939PN1048 - 4 - data center will, at some future date, become a high impact data center, prior to the future date.
or (ii) if the owner reasonably anticipates that the 20250SB0939PN1424 - 6 - data center will, at some future date, become a high impact data center, prior to the future date.
(1) May not impose conditions, requirements or limitations on the construction of high impact data centers that are more stringent than conditions, requirements or 20250SB0939PN1048 - 5 - limitations imposed on construction activities for other industrial uses within the geographic boundaries of the local government.
(1) May not impose conditions, requirements or limitations on the construction of high impact data centers that are more stringent than conditions, requirements or 20250SB0939PN1424 - 7 - limitations imposed on construction activities for other industrial uses within the geographic boundaries of the local government.
CHAPTER 5 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY REGULATORY SANDBOX PROGRAM Section 501.
CHAPTER 3 <-- (RESERVED) CHAPTER 5 ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE, DATA CENTER AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGY REGULATORY SANDBOX PROGRAM Section 501.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
<-- The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the 20250SB0939PN1424 - 8 - context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Applicable agency." The Department of Environmental 20250SB0939PN1048 - 6 - Protection, the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth and any department, board or commission of the Commonwealth.
"Applicable agency." The Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Transportation of the Commonwealth and any department, board or commission of the Commonwealth.
"Program." The Artificial Intelligence, Data Center and Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox Program established by this act.
"Program." The Artificial Intelligence, Data Center and Emerging Technology Regulatory Sandbox Program established by 20250SB0939PN1424 - 9 - this act.
"Test." The provision of an innovative artificial 20250SB0939PN1048 - 7 - intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service in accordance with this chapter.
"Test." The provision of an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service in accordance with this chapter.
Section 502.
SECTION 501.
(RESERVED).
<-- Section 502.
The program shall enable a person to obtain limited access to the market in this Commonwealth to test an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service without obtaining a license or other authorization that might otherwise be required.
The program shall enable a person PARTICIPANT to obtain limited access to the <-- market in this Commonwealth to test an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service without obtaining a license or other authorization that might otherwise be required.
(1) May enter into agreements with or follow the best practices of the Bureau of Consumer Protection or other states that are administering programs similar to the program.
(1) May enter into agreements with or follow ADOPT the <-- best practices of the Bureau of Consumer Protection <-- CORRESPONDING FEDERAL REGULATORY AGENCIES or other states <-- that are administering programs similar to the program.
AGREEMENTS UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH MAY NOT IMPOSE ADDITIONAL <-- LIMITATIONS ON THE PROGRAM.
or (ii) that bears a substantial relationship to the applicant's or participant's ability to safely or competently participate in the program.
or 20250SB0939PN1424 - 10 - (ii) that bears a substantial relationship to the applicant's or participant's ability to safely or competently participate in the program.
(c) Application.--A person must submit an application to the office in order to be approved for participation in the program.
(c) Application.--A person PARTICIPANT must submit an <-- application to the office in order to be approved for participation in the program.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 8 - The application must be in a form prescribed by the office that:
The application must be in a form prescribed by the office that:
(3) Contains relevant personal and contact information for the applicant, including legal names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, website addresses and other information required by the office.
(3) Contains relevant personal and contact information <-- for the applicant, including legal names, addresses, telephone numbers, email addresses, website addresses and other information required by the office.
(i) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is subject to licensing or other authorization requirements outside of the program, including a specific list of all State laws, regulations and licensing or other requirements that the applicant seeks to have waived during the testing period.
(i) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data 20250SB0939PN1424 - 11 - center and emerging technology product or service is subject to licensing or other authorization requirements outside of the program, including a specific list of all State laws, regulations and licensing or other <-- requirements that the applicant seeks to have waived during the testing period.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 9 - (ii) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service would benefit consumers.
(ii) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service would benefit consumers OR THE COMMONWEALTH.
(iii) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is different from other artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology products or services available in this Commonwealth.
<-- (iii) How the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is different from other artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology products or services available in this Commonwealth.
(iv) What risks may confront consumers that use or purchase the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service.
(iv) What risks may confront THIS COMMONWEALTH OR <-- consumers that use or purchase the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service.
(vii) How the applicant will end the test and protect consumers if the test fails, including providing evidence of sufficient liability coverage and financial reserves to protect consumers and to protect against insolvency by the applicant.
(vii) How the applicant will end the test and protect consumers if the test fails, including providing evidence of sufficient liability coverage and financial reserves to protect consumers OR THE COMMONWEALTH and to <-- protect against insolvency by the applicant.
(d) Separate applications required.--An applicant must file a separate application for each innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service the applicant intends to test.
(d) Separate applications required.--An applicant must file 20250SB0939PN1424 - 12 - a separate application for each innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service the applicant intends to test.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 10 - (f) Time period for review of application.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which a complete application is received by the office, the office shall inform the applicant as to whether the application is approved for participation in the program.
(f) Time period for review of application.--Not later than 90 days after the date on which a complete application is received by the office, the office shall inform the applicant as to whether the application is approved for participation in the program.
(H) CONFIDENTIALITY.--INFORMATION SUBMITTED FOR THE PURPOSES <-- OF AN APPLICATION TO THE OFFICE SHALL BE DEEMED CONFIDENTIAL AND NOT SUBJECT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE ACT OF FEBRUARY 14, 2008 (P.L.6, NO.3), KNOWN AS THE RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW.
(a) Consultation required.-- (1) In reviewing an application under this section, the office shall consult with, and get approval from, each applicable agency before approving an application for participation in the program.
(a) Consultation required.-- (1) In reviewing an application under this section, the office shall MAY consult with, and get approval from, each <-- applicable agency before approving an application for participation in the program.
(ii) The applicable agency has previously investigated, sanctioned or pursued legal action against the applicant.
(ii) The applicable agency has previously investigated, sanctioned or pursued legal action against 20250SB0939PN1424 - 13 - the applicant.
(b) Consideration of competition.--In reviewing an application under this section, the office shall consider whether a competitor of the applicant is or has been a participant and weigh that participation as a factor in 20250SB0939PN1048 - 11 - approving the applicant as a participant.
(b) Consideration of competition.--In reviewing an application under this section, the office shall consider whether a competitor of the applicant is or has been a participant and weigh that participation as a factor in approving the applicant as a participant.
(d) Denial notice.--If the office denies an application submitted under this section, the office shall provide to the applicant a written description of the reasons for the denial.
(d) Denial notice.--If the office denies an application <-- submitted under this section, the office shall provide to the applicant a written description of the reasons for the denial.
(D) CURING PERIOD.--IF THE OFFICE DENIES AN APPLICATION <-- SUBMITTED UNDER THIS SECTION, AFTER RECEIVING A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE REASONS FOR THE DENIAL, AN APPLICANT SHALL HAVE 60 DAYS TO CORRECT AND RESUBMIT THE APPLICATION.
(E) DENIAL NOTICE.--IF THE OFFICE DENIES A SUBSEQUENT CURING ATTEMPT UNDER SUBSECTION (D), THE OFFICE SHALL PROVIDE TO THE APPLICANT A WRITTEN DESCRIPTION OF THE REASONS FOR THE DENIAL.
THE APPLICANT MAY THEN REAPPLY FOR APPROVAL FOLLOWING NOTICE.
(a) Duration of test period.--A participant has 12 months after the date on which the application was approved to test the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service described in the application.
(a) Duration of test period.--A participant has 12 months after the date on which the application was approved to test the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging 20250SB0939PN1424 - 14 - technology product or service described in the application.
(2) The office shall notify other businesses in the industry that a waiver was granted to afford other companies the opportunity to apply for the same waiver.
(2) The office shall notify other businesses in the <-- industry that a waiver was granted to afford other companies the opportunity to apply for the same waiver.
PUBLISH ON ITS <-- PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET WEBSITE AN EASILY ACCESSIBLE LIST OF GRANTED WAIVERS.
(d) Licensing requirements under other law.-- (1) A participant is deemed to possess an appropriate 20250SB0939PN1048 - 12 - license under the laws of this Commonwealth for the purposes of any provision of Federal law requiring State licensure or authorization.
(d) Licensing requirements under other law.-- (1) A participant is deemed to possess an appropriate license under the laws of this Commonwealth for the purposes of any provision of Federal law requiring State licensure or authorization.
Section 505.
20250SB0939PN1424 - 15 - Section 505.
A participant does not have immunity related to any criminal offense committed during participation in the program.
A participant does not have immunity related to any CIVIL OR <-- criminal offense committed during participation in the program.
(b) Guaranty associations.--A guaranty association in this Commonwealth may not be held liable for any business loss or expense incurred as a result of activities undertaken by a 20250SB0939PN1048 - 13 - participant in the program.
(b) Guaranty associations.--A guaranty association in this Commonwealth may not be held liable for any business loss or expense incurred as a result of activities undertaken by a participant in the program.
(2) A statement that the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is authorized under the program and, if applicable, that the participant does not have a license or other authorization to provide an artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service under State law that regulates artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology products outside the program.
(2) A statement that the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or 20250SB0939PN1424 - 16 - service is authorized under the program and, if applicable, that the participant does not have a license or other authorization to provide an artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service under State law that regulates artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology products outside the program.
(4) A statement that the provider of the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is not immune from civil liability for any losses or damages caused by the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service.
<-- (4) A statement that the provider of the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service is not immune from civil liability for any losses or damages caused by the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 14 - (7) A statement that a consumer may contact the office to file a complaint regarding the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service being tested and provide the office's telephone number and publicly accessible Internet website where a complaint may be filed.
(7) A statement that a consumer may contact the office to file a complaint regarding the innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service being tested and provide the office's telephone number and publicly accessible Internet website where a complaint may be filed.
(b) Form of disclosure.--The disclosure required by subsection (a) shall be provided to a consumer, in a clear and conspicuous form and, for an Internet or application-based innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service, the consumer must acknowledge receipt of the disclosure before a transaction may be completed.
(b) Form of disclosure.--The disclosure required by subsection (a) shall be provided to a consumer, in a clear and conspicuous form and, for an Internet or application-based 20250SB0939PN1424 - 17 - innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service, the consumer must acknowledge receipt of the disclosure before a transaction may be completed.
(c) Exception.--If a test includes offering an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology 20250SB0939PN1048 - 15 - product or service that requires ongoing duties, the participant shall continue to fulfill the duties of the program or, if the participant exits the program, arrange for another person to fulfill those duties after the date on which the artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service testing ends.
(c) Exception.--If a test includes offering an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service that requires ongoing duties, the participant shall continue to fulfill the duties of the program or, if the participant exits the program, arrange for another person to fulfill those duties after the date on which the artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service testing ends.
(a) Time period to request extension.--Not later than 30 days before the end of the 12-month testing period, a participant may request an extension of the testing period for the purpose of obtaining a license or other authorization.
(a) Time period to request extension.--Not later than 30 days before the end of the 12-month testing period, a 20250SB0939PN1424 - 18 - participant may request an extension of the testing period for the purpose of obtaining a license or other authorization.
(a) Duty of participant.--A participant shall retain records, documents and data produced in the ordinary course of business regarding an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service tested in the 20250SB0939PN1048 - 16 - program.
(a) Duty of participant.--A participant shall retain records, documents and data produced in the ordinary course of business regarding an innovative artificial intelligence, data center and emerging technology product or service tested in the program.
(c) Office to establish reporting requirements.-- (1) The office shall establish quarterly reporting requirements for a participant, including information about any customer complaints.
(c) Office to establish reporting requirements.-- (1) The office shall establish quarterly reporting 20250SB0939PN1424 - 19 - requirements for a participant, including information about any customer complaints.
(2) The office may request records, documents and data from a participant and, upon the department's request, a participant shall make the records, documents and data available for inspection by the office.
(2) The office may request records, documents and data from a participant and, upon the department's OFFICE'S <-- request, a participant shall make the records, documents and <-- data available for inspection by the office.
CHAPTER 7 FAST TRACK 20250SB0939PN1048 - 17 - Section 701.
CHAPTER 7 <-- FAST TRACK Section 701.
(2) Assist in the operation and maintenance of a public- facing dashboard to display progress against established permitting timelines associated with all high impact data center development projects.
(2) Assist in the operation and maintenance of a public- 20250SB0939PN1424 - 20 - facing dashboard to display progress against established permitting timelines associated with all high impact data center development projects.
The office shall establish approval timelines not to exceed 120 days for the following permits requested by any high impact data center barring deficiencies:
CHAPTER 7 <-- BRING YOUR OWN GENERATION SECTION 701.
(1) 25 Pa.
PERMIT APPROVAL.
The office DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION shall <-- establish approval timelines not to exceed 120 days for the following permits requested by any A high impact data center <-- THAT MEETS THE CRITERIA UNDER SECTION 703, barring deficiencies:
<-- (1) 25 Pa.
102 (relating to erosion and 20250SB0939PN1048 - 18 - sediment control).
102 (relating to erosion and sediment control).
Section 704.
20250SB0939PN1424 - 21 - Section 704 702.
If an applicable agency receives a completed application from a high impact data center and a permit decision delay occurs, the application shall be deemed approved and the applicable agency shall issue the permit.
<-- If an applicable agency receives a completed application from a high impact data center and a permit decision delay occurs, the application shall be deemed approved and the applicable agency shall issue the permit.
SECTION 703.
CRITERIA.
<-- THIS CHAPTER SHALL ONLY APPLY TO HIGH IMPACT DATA CENTERS THAT:
(1) GENERATE ENERGY AT A RATE AT OR ABOVE WHAT IS REQUIRED FOR 50 MEGAWATT CAPACITY FOR OPERATIONS THROUGH:
(I) A NEW GENERATING RESOURCE;
(II) UPRATE OR EXPANDED SERVICES AT AN EXISTING GENERATING RESOURCE;
OR (III) A RESOURCE THAT WOULD OTHERWISE RETIRE EARLY OR DECOMMISSION DUE TO FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS.
(2) GENERATE ENERGY NOT TO BE SOLD FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION.
ENERGY GENERATED IN EXCESS OF THAT NEEDED FOR THE HIGH IMPACT DATA CENTER OPERATION MAY BE DONATED FOR PUBLIC CONSUMPTION.
(ii) marshaling Federal and State resources to maximize economic development opportunities for this Commonwealth to compete, grow and thrive in a global economy;
(ii) marshaling Federal and State resources to 20250SB0939PN1424 - 22 - maximize economic development opportunities for this Commonwealth to compete, grow and thrive in a global economy;
20250SB0939PN1048 - 19 - (3) Establish and monitor the progress of additional areas of economic development project support, including serving as a one-stop shop for coordination of State agencies, expediting State agency permit and license reviews and ensuring speed of business review and approval of Commonwealth economic incentive programs.
(3) Establish and monitor the progress of additional areas of economic development project support, including serving as a one-stop shop for coordination of State agencies, expediting State agency permit and license reviews and ensuring speed of business review and approval of Commonwealth economic incentive programs.
(7) Work in partnership with the Department of Community and Economic Development and all relevant State agencies and coordinate with the Governor's Action Team Office to ensure that thorough due diligence is performed for prioritized projects, which shall include:
(7) Work in partnership with the Department of Community and Economic Development and all relevant State agencies and coordinate with the Governor's Action Team Office to ensure that thorough due diligence is performed for prioritized 20250SB0939PN1424 - 23 - projects, which shall include:
20250SB0939PN1048 - 20 - (8) Work in partnership with the Department of Community and Economic Development, all relevant State agencies and the Governor to develop an overall economic development blueprint and strategy for this Commonwealth in identifying key industry and sectors where this Commonwealth has competitive advantages.
(8) Work in partnership with the Department of Community and Economic Development, all relevant State agencies and the Governor to develop an overall economic development blueprint and strategy for this Commonwealth in identifying key industry and sectors where this Commonwealth has competitive advantages.
The office shall prepare and issue an annual report to the Governor, with the first annual report due December 31, 2025, and subsequent reports due December 31 of each succeeding year.
The office shall prepare and issue an annual report to the 20250SB0939PN1424 - 24 - Governor, THE PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE OF THE SENATE AND THE <-- SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with the first annual report due December 31, 2025, AFTER THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS <-- SECTION and subsequent reports due December 31 of each succeeding year.
The report shall be delivered to the Governor or the Governor's designee.
The report shall be <-- delivered to the Governor or the Governor's designee.
CHAPTER 11 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS 20250SB0939PN1048 - 21 - Section 1101.
CHAPTER 11 MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS Section 1101.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
This act shall take effect in 60 90 days.
20250SB0939PN1048 - 22 -
<-- 20250SB0939PN1424 - 25 -
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Action History

  1. Amended in Senate Committee on Communications & Technology

  2. Referred to Communications & Technology

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 2 co-sponsors · 250 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (2)

Not signed on (250)

250 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Committee vote (Communications & Technology): Adopt Amendment

Passed 10 Yea · 0 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democratic 4000
Republican 6001
Total 10001
% of votes cast 91%0%0%9%
How each member voted (11)
Member Party Vote
James Andrew Malone Democratic Yea
John I. Kane Democratic Yea
Lisa M. Boscola Democratic Yea
Nick Miller Democratic Yea
Chris Gebhard Republican Yea
Frank A. Farry Republican Yea
Joe Picozzi Republican Yea
Kim L. Ward Republican Yea
Kristin Phillips-Hill Republican Yea
Lisa Baker Republican Not Voting
Tracy Pennycuick Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

environment technology
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 939?
SB 939 is sponsored by Greg Rothman (Republican), Tracy Pennycuick (Republican), and Elder A. Vogel (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 939?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced July 14, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track SB 939?
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Last checked for changes 3 months ago · updated continuously

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