[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6081046,"mediaKeyId","2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4","parentId",2944118,"title","Committee approves bill adding virtual currency to money-transmission law, members raise definition concerns","audioSeconds",168,"startMs",1847840,"endMs",2016540,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4&start=1847&end=2016","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4/thumbnail_1847840.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6081046/Pennsylvania/Committee-approves-bill-adding-virtual-currency-to-money-transmission-law-members-raise-definition-concerns","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081046-31eaf0ab50c893dbbe2d2221d7b8e09a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147471&Signature=PjqPgThBKgCgeUrlephBJ-X9bFqBtINUmeGOFlOOfxZGmrhT0FkhywArvlsMQLRM1Nw48sFic-Eg2dYboWcBQKAFSRalMu5vISzDL0b6GtN301YAn6EJH-bs9LAIeqQvT2Ia9KqUQbHmWL2LCagrWixEkqYZfl8ht9rbBJyXLjKiblINqalW6xG7E1bu84uOCP1f~7MetJhy69F12FA9dfYFD2HB8NmKeXqn6W1n6GFSkf8nDU7HkK4U6sXEiJ6tRNOgMhl5eDTAW-oXfSABH93P6uh~TnEnjPYw5PpGf5ZqITzBlVk6MU0L~14iEtVHfYoi50g9peFC22j609Qi2A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pennsylvania House of Representatives","date","2025-04-10T13:06:36.193Z","article","Senate Bill 202, which would add virtual currency to the state's money-transmission business law and set parameters for self-hosted wallets, was reported out of the Commerce Committee after discussion of definitional and scope issues.

Supporters said the Senate amendment incorporated changes discussed in prior committee hearings to exclude certain self-hosted wallets from unintended coverage under the money-transmission law. Chairman Lawrence said the amendment was an improvement for handling self-hosted wallets, but he expressed concern that the bill's statutory definition of \"virtual currency,\" newly introduced in the legislation, may be too broad and could sweep in unintended activity; he recorded a \"no\" vote on that basis.

Committee action: The bill had a roll-call vote and passed out of committee. Committee members who spoke in favor urged members to vote yes; members who raised concerns cited the need for a more narrowly tailored definition.

What the committee record does not specify: The transcript does not include the final statutory text of the new definition or a fiscal note in the committee hearing; members requested further drafting clarity on the definition's scope.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Commerce Committee -- April 8, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Senate Bill 202 would add virtual currency to the money-transmission business law and set parameters for self‑hosted wallets; committee members praised amendments protecting self-hosted wallets but one member said the statutory definition of \"virtual currency\" is too broad and recorded a no vote in committee.","taxTitle","Commerce, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania","taxId",29268,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6081051,"Committee moves bill adjusting river-pilot trade rules",63,1784245,1847540,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4&start=1784&end=1847","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4/thumbnail_1784245.jpg","/articles/6081051/Pennsylvania/Committee-moves-bill-adjusting-river-pilot-trade-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081051-7cd6939276bca61378c3fa5859eb2eb9/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147471&Signature=M~qPhc8~nKDGPCp0LC1DCTfrZzFlXQVKJQkVuETt7vKpoDuQ6oG-~DGxec-ULBbaWi9P-DaI49hAOGuTmKEl44QUrocRA4bW-FdZXvu8n5rmqFWEd9Ywb7lpr9hK6~2Ya-mbPh2mPgxJ6NGjAZhuOin8YXE0mVBbOvTx12xZR~djc6wbfLu62JW86PCFIu3MwRMVDJUaL55Las5Bsb-NjZJN5HLnDbAv31WZGpfGOCaZ7YCWvJUvT68mNP7NL~~GWUPhqITU~7HC8OkcqRRKWr6zAmFYu1~OcsC7vfv0-SlYQsoJZRYB-s7Co2Z5STA17Q-VMlJaO2QDBM7J~DwYkw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1057, sponsored by Representative Parker and Chairman Conklin, was advanced out of the Commerce Committee. Sponsors described the measure as providing periodic adjustments for the river-pilot trade; committee members said the bill is typically moved every three years in coordination with neighboring jurisdictions.

Chairman Lawrence indicated his support and said the bill is important to maintain a functioning river-pilot service; other members voiced agreement and the committee recorded no negative votes during the roll call.

Committee action: Representative Parker moved the bill forward and Representative Conklin seconded; the committee voted to report the bill out of committee.

What was not detailed: The transcript did not include substantive technical language from the bill, specific adjustment amounts, or a fiscal note during the committee presentation.","House Bill 1057, sponsored by Representative Parker and Chairman Conklin, was advanced by the Commerce Committee; sponsors said the measure updates periodic adjustments for the river-pilot trade and the committee recorded no negative votes.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6081056,"Committee advances bill to allow alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) for humans",1156,620410,1776645,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4&start=620&end=1776","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4/thumbnail_620410.jpg","/articles/6081056/Pennsylvania/Committee-advances-bill-to-allow-alkaline-hydrolysis-water-cremation-for-humans","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081056-ac6acb404329111f2be8648ed462a44d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147471&Signature=AQNVZZBuuaWiQ8TnoXKGzKs~vFjtwBBHHuO~SnEW30ETc3OXx4IJ0RQ4OOenaDiCZc2vydYYgTLR4KAvozTGTTRrapdi5J7OsZ2izxalvZLUqPxQdmoqWSdrwDweTh9fwJVzBZrw~4NJPCOg9CSqBvHz0WkcHdYFwonGBh8Iyb5oALp7dC~4Oj5JNErxXx6jgDbOnrvf5jexXpSmfofBaZJ4dLVClDb4Qp4wVJBLxzH1simlAjNpoGeOYNLXrMMMhpJxun3mP7P2fZzbWvsDRW~iIme0siwo8uIGOK-AUaHRhCH0EFisLyL41Sj7nPxMf~G9Wm2vpW0E3fLQRgnRMA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 722, sponsored by Chairwoman Daley with co-sponsors Representative Raab and Representative Major, was reported out of the Commerce Committee. The bill would expand the authorized use of alkaline hydrolysis, also known as water cremation, to human remains; proponents said it offers environmental benefits and provides families an additional end-of-life option.

Sponsor remarks emphasized environmental and resource benefits. Representative Daley noted that alkaline hydrolysis uses roughly 10% of the energy of flame cremation and avoids greenhouse-gas emissions associated with flame cremation. She and other proponents said the process breaks down some persistent chemicals, reduces formaldehyde burial and may produce a finer cremated remains product that some families prefer.

A representative of the Pennsylvania Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association, Morgan Platt, told the committee she had visited facilities and believed the effluent from alkaline hydrolysis is treated safely and, in some operations, used on cemetery grounds or discharged to municipal wastewater systems after neutralization. Funeral-industry witnesses said the process is in use for pets in the state and that implementation for human use would require funeral-home investment in equipment.

Concerns and dissent: Committee members asked several technical questions about the process, including water usage (one member cited \"over 300 gallons\" per case), the fate of the effluent and relative energy use. Chairman Lawrence said he would vote \"no\" on the measure today due to drafting and definitional questions about energy and effluent handling; other members registered support. The roll-call record shows a mix of \"yes by designation\" and explicit \"no\" votes; the committee ultimately reported the bill out of committee.

Committee action: Representative Raab moved the bill and Representative Harris seconded. The committee held a roll-call vote and the bill was advanced out of committee.

What the committee record does not settle: The transcript records questions about costs, municipal wastewater standards, and precise water-usage figures, but the bill text and committee record in this hearing did not supply final technical standards, cost estimates, or an implementation timetable.","House Bill 722 would expand alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) to human remains; supporters cited environmental and energy benefits, funeral-industry representatives described effluent handling, and the committee approved the bill despite some members expressing caution and at least one recorded \"no\" vote on the floor roll call.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6081061,"Committee advances bill to create optional notice list for delinquent real-estate tax sales",180,439330,619470,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4&start=439&end=619","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4/thumbnail_439330.jpg","/articles/6081061/Pennsylvania/Committee-advances-bill-to-create-optional-notice-list-for-delinquent-real-estate-tax-sales","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081061-a8e24ecba3814599119b8e951c260087/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147471&Signature=d-4jLl2TRF2CbF7IEm4nyuMUx7imlASG7K~brPmPksTuQAN7Q-TQC~huXcRghrQ-0cAQFx7pRdMqjaqwHgeWdwmh6U72YkTF~AvFCSIT9Wxqp2RUNksghhd5ez6HgW7qtexPaLre-Uo0EjJA7DPn6NVzd8qcF1XYP5iuMT4DJENlA369ZyPApM9y~jyrK1VtW~Q0pkBRqWxFXsAAcBKBxweTCtHl2MQfJFlBNSio6hW2JsvFyUjTJEfFTmRTVtvlJ~V22GwrCGAnoX7hDRPmvrGIA65rgWAGw0SlE98vMiYkLhxXy7B5KZ58NzPC44bzkUdoZich3mN1NscWtg2i3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 96, sponsored by Representative Peele, was advanced unanimously by the Commerce Committee. The bill would establish designation forms that allow a third party—such as a next of kin—to be notified if a property with delinquent real-estate taxes is subject to a tax sale or sheriff sale.

Sponsor Representative Peele described the measure as a voluntary program aimed at seniors and people with cognitive impairments who may be isolated or unable to handle tax notices. He said that in his experience as an appointed guardianship attorney, several properties owned by cognitively impaired individuals proceeded to tax sale even though the owners had the financial means to pay the taxes.

Representative Piali, who remarked that the bill had strong bipartisan support in the prior session, said the bill is similar to HB1646 from last session and that it previously passed committee and the House floor with broad support. Representative Schaeffer asked whether the program could be expanded beyond a senior-only eligibility threshold; he proposed discussing an amendment to allow designation for property owners of any age if appropriate.

Committee action: Representative Piali moved the bill forward and Representative Harris seconded; committee members registered no negative votes and the bill passed unanimously out of committee. The committee record shows members spoken during the discussion included Representative Peele, Representative Piali, Representative Schaeffer and Chairman Lawrence.

What the bill does not specify in committee: The version considered was described as voluntary; the transcript does not specify the exact form language, whether counties would be required to maintain the designee list, or any funding for county implementation.","House Bill 96, sponsored by Representative Peele, would create voluntary designation forms so relatives or other designees can be notified before a property with delinquent real-estate taxes is sold; the bill passed the committee unanimously.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6081066,"House bill 1103 would let lenders charge points to lower borrowers' monthly payments",324,88670,412715,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4&start=88&end=412","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2944118-46be08b1d7c6002f1c15c57ef51d74a4/thumbnail_88670.jpg","/articles/6081066/Pennsylvania/House-bill-1103-would-let-lenders-charge-points-to-lower-borrowers-monthly-payments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6081066-f605dea1d967f31531334abaaf7a1b22/orig.mp4?Expires=1771147471&Signature=JQm7S3dpnhRp9xM8lmcRilJsEAlhRiEL-1DJ5JfQi7l2tOBrpoNe4pox5Eka70OBvA5CEMqjk2NvMIeGpXqqFQborCWC-Cz5sRIGy8su2QmOowLYIs2CsY5R-OFVaHPRsh05XuNX5oWAXhGZyZs-~GKTl5JRvQsDikRVJQydfXcnFPvp4cipZDOPVg2ARyQ4i0QlQlATt1UKAqVrQbyPjCSyBeMc18IU-jELZGcI~2EKSOzY1Su-VGvqKnZEZiw0xCnM2lEEvKX3Dx~qdIIU2NW~VeGfGpIU5vmZoiTJ~CobdLmB2umPV3wQFs9XQKwwGT5k3LxLnybKyGNHqPvK3Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","House Bill 1103, sponsored by Representative Cephas and Representative Torsig, was advanced out of the Commerce Committee after sponsors said it would allow mortgage lenders to offer points and discount points so borrowers could buy down interest rates and reduce monthly payments.

Supporters told the committee the measure would align Pennsylvania with more than 45 other states that permit points and discount points, and would give borrowers an additional option to access credit without disturbing existing low interest rates on first-lien mortgages.

\"This bill will allow mortgage lenders to charge points and discount points to borrowers, thereby providing an opportunity for borrowers to lower their monthly payments and provide additional access to credit for Pennsylvania homeowners,\" Representative Cephas said during the committee hearing.

Why it matters: Committee members said the change could help some homeowners consolidate higher-interest debt or finance home renovations while preserving favorable mortgage rates. Chairman Lawrence voiced a legislative drafting concern in committee: the bill defines \"discount points\" but also uses the term \"points\" elsewhere without a clear statutory definition, which he said could allow fees to be camouflaged as \"points.\" He suggested the committee might resolve that definitional issue before the bill reaches the floor, but registered no objection to moving the bill today.

Committee action and procedure: Representative Cephas moved the bill forward; Representative Parker seconded the motion. The committee conducted a roll call and the bill was reported out of committee. Several members voted \"yes by designation\"; members who spoke during the roll call and registered explicit \"yes\" votes included Chairman Lawrence and Chairman Conklin.

What the bill does not specify in committee: The legislation as presented did not include a statutory definition for the term \"points\" (distinct from the defined term \"discount points\"). The committee record does not specify consumer disclosure requirements, caps on fees, or administrative enforcement details in the version considered.

Next steps: Committee members indicated they expect to resolve the definitional question before floor action; the bill now moves to the next legislative stage.","A Commerce Committee panel advanced House Bill 1103, sponsored by Rep. Cephas and Rep. Torsig, to allow mortgage lenders to charge points and discount points; the committee raised a definitional concern about the term \"points\" but moved the bill forward without objection.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee approves bill adding virtual currency to money-transmission law, members raise definition concerns

Committee moves bill adjusting river-pilot trade rules

Committee advances bill to allow alkaline hydrolysis (water cremation) for humans

Committee advances bill to create optional notice list for delinquent real-estate tax sales

House bill 1103 would let lenders charge points to lower borrowers' monthly payments