Pennsylvania Issues Executive Orders To Limit Disability Data Sharing & Expand Oversight Councils

Pennsylvania is implementing new data privacy protections and governance structures for residents with disabilities following concerns about expanded federal data collection efforts. On April 15, 2026, Governor Josh Shapiro signed three executive orders (EOs) focused on limiting personal data sharing, strengthening protections against discrimination, and increasing input from individuals with disabilities in state policy and program design.

Executive Order 2026-01, Protecting The Rights, Dignity & Privacy Of People With Disabilities, limits data collection by Commonwealth agencies to the minimum necessary and establishes stricter oversight for how personal data is collected, used, and shared across health care, research, and legal . . .