Senate Bill Would Make It Illegal to go Phishing in PA

Global Warming Act also headed to House for consideration

The Senate took action to stop computer scammers from victimizing unsuspecting Pennsylvanians as part of its activities during the session week of November 19, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50).

On Monday, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 390, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Robbins that would make it illegal to go "phishing" in Pennsylvania.

Phishing is a crime in which people use e-mail to falsely claim to be an established enterprise in an effort to lure people to a Web site to collect personal data, such as Social Security, bank account or credit card numbers, or passwords. Often the Web site that people are lured to resembles established Internet enterprises, such as eBay, PayPal, or other online banking institutions.

"There are many unscrupulous companies and individuals out there who take advantage of unsuspecting computer users to get their personal information," Senator Robbins said. "I believe Pennsylvania must continue to act to prosecute anyone involved in identity theft. They must be held accountable for their despicable actions."

SB 390 would make it a felony offense to phish personal information and would carry a fine of $100,000 for each violation, along with the ability to collect damages up to three times the actual amount, if the court so rules, as well as attorney fees.

On Tuesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 266, also known as the Pennsylvania Global Warming Act. This measure requires the state Department of Environmental Protection to

prepare and publish a report on the potential impact of global warming and climate change. The DEP will be required to submit the report within six months of the effective date of the act.

The report shall include:

Scientific predictions regarding temperature and precipitation patterns and amounts
Potential impact on human health, various aspects of the economy, management of economic risk, and other significant uncertainties
Economic opportunities for the Commonwealth

Also on Tuesday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1051, legislation affecting the Erie Airport and House Bill 43, a bill establishing uniform environmental covenants under the Department of Environmental Protection to provide greater ability to control the future use of contaminated property and allow safe re-use of the real estate.

Senate Bill 1051 would change the board from a five-member authority appointed by Erie City Council to an 11-member board, with seven appointed by the Erie County executive, and two each by the mayor of Erie and the governor.

Under House Bill 43, an environmental covenant remains valid and enforceable even when it does not satisfy the principals traditionally required of an easement under common law.

Currently, the Department of Environmental Protection must rely on traditional principals of property common law to regulate the use of brownfields. Under common law, such restrictions often lapse with the transfer of property.

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322