Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 278: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Fair Housing Month" in Pennsylvania and designating April 30, 2026, as "Affordable Homeownership Day" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates April 2026 as "Fair Housing Month" and April 30, 2026, as "Affordable Homeownership Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the legacy of the Fair Housing Act and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The bill directly affects the state's residents, financial institutions, community organizations, and local governments by encouraging them to promote equitable lending and remove barriers to homeownership. It formally commends the National Association of Real Estate Brokers for its work in expanding housing access for Black families and underserved communities. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to raise awareness about housing disparities rather than implementing new laws or funding programs.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1290: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in bonds and recognizances, providing for the restriction on use of cash bail for pregnant defendants.

Senate Bill 1290 would limit the use of cash bail for pregnant defendants in Pennsylvania, except in cases involving capital offenses or crimes with a maximum life sentence. The bill creates a rebuttable presumption against setting monetary bail for these individuals and requires courts to document specific reasons if cash bail is still imposed. It also mandates that jails provide free pregnancy tests within 24 hours of request and protects the confidentiality of related medical information.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1282: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, providing for protection of children from second-hand smoke in vehicles; and imposing a penalty.

This bill prohibits smoking in any vehicle transporting a child under 12 years old in Pennsylvania. It defines smoking as using any lighted device, such as a cigarette or pipe, and establishes a $100 fine for a first violation, increasing to $250 for repeat offenses. The law requires that a person be convicted of another traffic violation occurring at the same time to be penalized for smoking around a child. These rules will take effect 90 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 277: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2026 as "Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month" in Pennsylvania to promote public awareness of the Sikh faith, recognize the important contributions of the Sikh community and combat anti-Sikh bigotry.

Senate Resolution 277 designates April 2026 as Sikh Awareness and Appreciation Month in Pennsylvania to highlight the Sikh faith and community contributions. The resolution aims to increase public understanding of Sikhism and address discrimination against Sikhs, particularly in schools. By aligning the designation with the month of Vaisakhi, a major Sikh holiday, the bill seeks to foster greater cultural awareness and tolerance within the state.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1288: An Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 42251, carrying Pennsylvania Route 61 over the Shamokin Creek in Mount Carmel Borough, Northumberland County, as the Veterans Viaduct.

This bill designates a specific bridge in Mount Carmel Borough as the "Veterans Viaduct" to honor the service and sacrifices of military veterans. The legislation requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain official signs displaying this new name on the bridge. By officially renaming the structure, the bill aims to create a lasting symbol of gratitude for veterans who have served the nation. The change takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 273: A Resolution designating the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Conservation District Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Conservation District Week" throughout Pennsylvania to raise awareness about local conservation efforts. The measure directly affects Pennsylvania's conservation districts, which are volunteer-led local government units responsible for managing natural resources like soil and water on private and public lands. By officially naming this specific week, the bill aims to highlight the work these districts perform in partnering with landowners, businesses, and other agencies to protect the environment. This action is a commemorative gesture that does not alter existing laws or create new funding, but rather serves to recognize the role of conservation districts in the state.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 274: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Infertility Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania Senate Resolution officially designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as National Infertility Awareness Week within the state. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition to highlight infertility issues and encourage empathy and understanding among the public. It does not create new laws or require specific actions from government agencies or individuals.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1274: An Act amending the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for medical marijuana exemption.

SB 1274 amends Pennsylvania's Controlled Substance Act to update legal definitions regarding hemp and hemp-derived products. The bill clarifies what constitutes "hemp" by setting a THC concentration limit of 0.3% and distinguishes between final consumer products and intermediate manufacturing materials. It also provides specific definitions for terms like "final hemp-derived cannabinoid product" and "industrial hemp" to ensure clarity in regulations. These changes aim to align state law with federal standards while maintaining exemptions for existing medical marijuana programs.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1283: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

This bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify and adjust the fees health care providers can charge when releasing medical records via subpoena. It establishes specific rates for searching, retrieving, and copying records, including a cap of $200 for electronic copies, while allowing annual adjustments based on inflation. The legislation applies to health care facilities and their designated agents who must comply with legal requests for patient charts. By setting these standardized costs, the bill aims to ensure transparency and limit unauthorized additional charges for record retrieval.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1267: An Act amending the act of October 27, 1955 (P.L.744, No.222), known as the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act, further providing for procedure.

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to increase the maximum civil penalties that can be imposed on individuals or entities found guilty of discrimination. Specifically, it raises the fine limits for first-time offenders to $26,262, for those with one prior violation to $65,653, and for those with multiple prior violations to $131,308. The legislation also updates the statute of limitations for filing discrimination complaints, extending the deadline from 180 days to 365 days. Additionally, it requires the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to annually adjust these penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SB 1268: An Act amending the act of June 1, 1937 (P.L.1168, No.294), known as the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Act, further providing for definitions; providing for notice and regulations; further providing for unfair labor practices and for representatives and elections; providing for initial collective bargaining agreement; further providing for prevention of unfair labor practices and for penalties; and imposing penalties.

SB 1268 amends Pennsylvania's Labor Relations Act to clarify definitions of employees and independent contractors while introducing new rules for union elections and employer conduct. The bill requires employers to post notices about employee rights both physically and electronically and mandates the provision of detailed voter lists to labor organizations following union elections. Additionally, it designates specific actions as unfair labor practices, such as forcing employees to participate in employer-led campaigns unrelated to their job duties. These changes aim to standardize how labor disputes are managed and ensure clearer communication between employers and workers regarding their collective bargaining rights.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 17, 2026

SR 282: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as "National Home Visiting Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as 'National Home Visiting Week' in Pennsylvania. The measure highlights the importance of home visiting programs in supporting early childhood development and helping parents with resources and education. It encourages individuals and organizations across the state to utilize these services to promote family well-being.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results