5 Bill Proposals In PA: Election Reform, Age Limits On Social Media

HARRISBURG, PA — As the new legislative session continues in Harrisburg, lawmakers are working on several proposals that could have significant impacts on life in the commonwealth. Other proposals are less broad and sweeping, but aim to correct an oversight in the system that leaves already vulnerable populations at risk.

Here's a glance at five proposed bills currently making their way through the state Senate and General Assembly:

Protecting children from social media

As social media companies continue to capitalize on young people, the state is continuing to seek ways to protect children.

State officials say that social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, Youtube, and others are major contributing factors to mental health struggles in underage teens. A forthcoming bill would require parental consent for any under 16 to open an account. It would also prohibit data mining for underage users, and allow parents or minors to request deletion of information obtained when the individual was underage.

"We are facing a mental health crisis in the Commonwealth," State Sens. Senator Vincent J. Hughes and Kristin Phillips-Hill wrote in a co-sponsorship memorandum. "The data shows far too many minors are struggling with mental health, a fact laid bare during the COVID pandemic.

The pair cited a recent lawsuit filed by Bucks County against TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, SnapChat, and Youtube. The complaint alleges that using mechanics akin to gambling, the platforms manipulate users with "Intermittent Variable Rewards" (IVRs) that deliver addicting shots of dopamine as users browse continuous, algorithmic, personalized streams of content and advertisements. The suit also alleges that platforms make frequent design tweaks aimed at maximizing screen time and promoting excessive, problematic levels of use.

Teenagers are especially vulnerable to these tactics, the suit says, as social media's "social rewards" feel even more satisfying to the development adolescent brain. And with more than 90 percent of children 13 to 17 reporting they use social media, the demographic is a central part of the companies' business model.

Making the state walkable

Lawmakers, activists, and communities from both sides of the aisle have expressed support for continuing the pandemic-era policy of shutting down roads to improve walkability and accessibility to outdoor dining and downtown districts.

However, officials say, too many communities and businesses don't have access to these benefits, because their roads can't be shut down. Others, meanwhile, can't afford the money it takes to build sidewalks.

A new bill would create a grant programs to award municipalities around the state up to $100,000 to help their businesses adminster such "pedestrianization" efforts. "By making streets more walkable, municipalities can foster stronger social ties and thriving businesses," State Rep. Josh Siegel, the bill's sponsor, said.

Critical 9/11 theory

As debates rage over classroom curriculum nationwide, some lawmakers believe that the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, are not being adequately taught to schoolchildren in Pennsylvania.

State Rep. Jim Haddock claims that "the majority of students in Pennsylvania’s schools are not being taught the significance of the events (of 9/11), nor the lasting impact they have on all our lives."

Proposed legislation would mandate a moment of silence to remember the attacks on each September 11. It would also mandate that the Department of Education develop a specific model curriculum to impart the significance and improtance of that day.

Helping to safeguard abused animals

A proposed bill would create an "Animal Cruelty Investigation Fund" to provide financial assistance to animal welfare organizations addressing cruelty situations.

"These cases, investigated by dedicated humane society officers, take time, effort, and money, with cruelty survivors requiring medical care, food, and shelter," State Sens. Kate Muth and John Kane said in a statement. "For organizations that are mainly funded by donations, every cruelty case takes its toll, exhausting finite resources."

The fund would be built by charging anyone convicted of an animal cruelty charge with an additional $25 fine.

That money would help cover training, equipment, legal support, and more for humane society police officers. The move already has bipartisan support from the Pennsylvania General Assembly’s Animal Protection Caucus.

Campaign finance oversight

The latest push from the MAGA wing of the Republican Party is calling on the federal government to give states authority to regulate campaign finance. Supporters say that out of state interests have an outsized impact on local elections.

"We are seeing the effects of this system every cycle," former gubernatorial candidate and likely future U.S. Senate candidate State Sen. Doug Mastriano said in a statement. "Elections continue to be nationalized with tens of millions of dollars flooding into our districts from all over the country and shouting down the voices of our constituents."

The bill would call on U.S. Congress to enact an aleady proposed amendment, called "For Our Freedom," giving states that authority.

With reporting from Patch coorespondent Jeff Werner