HARRISBURG, Pa. — In a clear statement of support for open government, the Senate Communications and Technology Committee approved Senate Bill 1408 on Sept. 29. The bill, championed by Republican Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R‑Berks/Montgomery), would prohibit state and local agencies from entering into non‑disclosure agreements (NDAs) with data‑center developers.
Why the bill matters for Pennsylvanian families
Data‑center construction is expanding rapidly across the United States, bringing jobs and tax revenue but also raising concerns about land use, environmental impact, and community input. Critics argue that NDAs allow developers to keep project details hidden from the very residents who will live near these facilities.
“A growing practice among data‑center developers is to require local governments to sign non‑disclosure agreements regarding proposed projects, leaving the voices of residents out of the discussion,” Sen. Pennycuick said. “Local officials have a responsibility to communicate openly and honestly with community residents, especially regarding the development of data centers. Signing a non‑disclosure agreement restricts this duty.”
Bill provisions and legislative path
SB 1408 would make it unlawful for any state agency, municipality, or county to sign an NDA that limits public disclosure of information about a data‑center proposal. The legislation is part of a broader package aimed at giving Pennsylvanians greater control over large‑scale development in their neighborhoods.
Should the bill clear the Senate, it will move to the House where similar transparency measures have already gained bipartisan support. If enacted, Pennsylvania would join a small but growing group of states that have taken steps to ensure that infrastructure projects remain subject to public scrutiny.
Community response
Local leaders and advocacy groups have praised the measure as a win for transparency and parental‑rights to know how new facilities might affect schools, traffic, and property values. “Our families deserve to know what’s being built near our homes and schools,” said a spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Rural Residents Association.
Some industry representatives expressed concern that the ban could slow development and increase costs. A spokesperson for the Pennsylvania Data‑Center Association argued that NDAs are a standard tool for protecting proprietary information and that the bill could “undermine efficient project planning.”
Administration stance
The Trump administration, which continues to prioritize economic growth while emphasizing the importance of local input, has not issued a formal position on the Pennsylvania bill. However, the administration’s broader emphasis on deregulation and support for private‑sector investment suggests a preference for flexible, market‑driven solutions.
Sen. Pennycuick noted that the bill aligns with the administration’s call for “transparent, community‑focused development.” She added, “By prohibiting state and local government agencies from entering into non‑disclosure agreements we can ensure that key decisions about the future of local communities are made with transparency, and that the public is able to make their voices heard on the important issues facing their community.”
Next steps
The committee’s unanimous vote signals strong bipartisan backing, but the bill still faces the usual legislative hurdles. Stakeholders on both sides are expected to testify at upcoming hearings, and local officials will likely begin preparing for the potential impact on future data‑center negotiations.
For Pennsylvania residents, the legislation represents a tangible effort to keep government accountable and to ensure that the rapid expansion of data‑center infrastructure does not come at the expense of community voice and oversight.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
