PENNSYLVANIA (WHP) — A Pennsylvania senator introduced legislation that would prohibit foreign control of sensitive state data center infrastructure, according to a news release.

Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) is proposing a package of legislation as data centers become an “increasingly integral part of our modern economy.”

A memo noted how nearly every digital service humanity relies on, from smartphones and social media to telehealth, cloud computing, and AI, depends on data center infrastructure.

Senate Bill 1442 is part of a package of legislation that includes provisions like “bring-your-own-generation” requirements for large projects while protecting ratepayers from higher electric bills, addressing water and energy demands, and making sure residents have a voice.

“Protecting Pennsylvania’s data centers from foreign control is essential to safeguarding our commonwealth’s economic security, national security and sensitive data. Senate Bill 1442 takes a proactive approach by ensuring that foreign-controlled entities cannot gain control of the infrastructure that powers our digital economy. We must remain vigilant about who owns and controls these strategically important facilities, and this legislation is an important step toward protecting Pennsylvania’s interests,” Pennycuick said.

Included in the legislative package is a measure prohibiting nondisclosure agreements between data center developments and municipalities.

This comes on the heels of an executive order signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on Aug. 18 implementing what he called the “nation’s strictest guardrails on AI data centers.”

His order intends to prevent homeowners from floating the bill for rising energy costs while giving local communities more teeth when it comes to allowing data center projects to move forward.

“If the local community doesn’t approve a project, the state won’t approve it either,” Shapiro said.

Pennsylvania can support innovation and economic growth while protecting ratepayers, safeguarding natural resources, and supporting local decision-making.

“Data centers should be developed responsibly, openly and in the public interest,” the legal memo read.