SB 614 Pennsylvania Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for primary care workforce initiative; and making an appropriation.

SB 614 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish a state-funded initiative supporting workforce development for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are community health centers serving rural and underserved areas. The bill directly affects FQHCs by providing funding to recruit and retain primary care staff, addressing documented shortages in these facilities. Key provisions include creating a dedicated funding stream within the state budget specifically for FQHC workforce expansion, with appropriations to cover hiring and training costs. This policy change aims to strengthen primary care access in communities with limited healthcare resources through targeted financial support.
Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Apr 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
House Passage
Governor
Introduced Apr 14, 2025 Last action Mar 24, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN1285 Printer's No. PN1530 · 7 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated to reflect its progression through the legislative process, changing the sponsor list and amending date. Substantively, the initiative was restructured to be administered by a new 'Facilitating Entity' rather than directly by the Department of Health, shifting the program's focus to support students from specific medical colleges and prioritizing funding for those in their final academic years or with prior placement experience.
Scope change
The program's scope expanded to include a broader range of entities (FQHC look-alikes, rural hospitals, and rural health clinics) and introduced a new administrative structure where an eligible administrative entity manages the initiative on behalf of the Department.
TIMELINE

The timeline for establishing the program was extended from 'within one year' to 'not later than one year after' the effective date.

DEFINITION

New definitions were added for 'Eligible Administrative Entity,' 'Facilitating Entity,' 'FQHC Look-Alike,' and a more specific definition of 'Student' that includes enrollment in specific accredited medical colleges.

ELIGIBILITY

Eligibility for the program was broadened to include FQHC look-alikes, rural hospitals, and rural health clinics, not just federally qualified health centers.

FISCAL

Funding rules were updated to require at least 50% of funds to support preceptorships for specific student groups and introduced new funding priorities for students in their final academic years or those with prior placement experience.

The specific $2,500,000 appropriation and the original sustainability plan requirements were removed and replaced with a conditional funding structure based on federal appropriations.

REQUIREMENT

New requirements mandate that grants be used as stipends for preceptors or students and include a detailed reporting mechanism for the Department to track program outcomes and sustainability.

ENFORCEMENT

A new residency placement preference was added, requiring facilitators to offer residency opportunities to students who completed clinical rotations through the initiative.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 23, 2026

How they voted

2623
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 50
Mar 23, 2026
D Democratic23
23 Nay
100% Nay
R Republican27
26 Yea 1
96% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
12
Key actions
5
Committee
4
Amendments
2
Mar 24, 2026
Committee
Referred to Health
lower
Mar 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Third consideration and final passage
upper
Mar 23, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (26-23-1)
senate
Mar 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Amended on third consideration
upper
Nov 17, 2025
Upper · Passed
Re-reported as committed
upper
Oct 29, 2025
Committee
Re-referred to Appropriations
upper
Oct 28, 2025
Upper · Passed
Reported as amended
upper
Apr 14, 2025
Committee
Referred to Health & Human Services
upper
1 primary · 5 co-sponsors

Sponsors