PRINTER'S NO. 1949
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No.
1228
Session of
2018
INTRODUCED BY McGARRIGLE, MARTIN, GORDNER, VULAKOVICH, KILLION,
SCHWANK, WHITE, MENSCH, RAFFERTY, RESCHENTHALER, FOLMER AND
BROWNE, AUGUST 9, 2018
REFERRED TO JUDICIARY, AUGUST 9, 2018
AN ACT
Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in computer offenses, providing for
the offense of computer extortion by use of ransomware.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Title 18 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes is amended by adding a section to read:
ยง 7617. Computer extortion by use of ransomware.
(a) Offense defined.--A person commits the offense of
computer extortion by use of ransomware when the person:
(1) Introduces ransomware into a computer, computer
system or computer network.
(2) Demands payment of money or other consideration to
remove the ransomware, restore access to the computer,
computer system, computer network or data contained on the
computer, computer system or computer network or otherwise
remediate the impact of the ransomware.
(b) Grading.--An offense under this section shall constitute
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a felony of the third degree.
(c) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following
words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this
subsection:
"Computer contaminant." A set of computer instructions
designed to modify, damage, destroy, record or transmit data
held by a computer, computer system or computer network without
the intent or permission of the owner of the data.
"Ransomware." A computer contaminant or lock placed or
introduced without authorization into a computer, computer
system or computer network that restricts access by an
authorized person to the computer, computer system, computer
network or any data held by the computer, computer system or
computer network. The term shall not include authentication
required to upgrade or access purchased content or the blocking
of access to subscription content in the case of nonpayment for
the access.
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 30 days.
20180SB1228PN1949 - 2 -
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