This bill creates the Biobonds Innovation Fund to provide low-interest loans and loan guarantees for companies and research institutions conducting clinical trials for drugs or medical devices in Pennsylvania. The program requires recipients to maintain a physical presence in the state and conduct the majority of their research there while receiving financial support. Money for the fund will come from state appropriations, bond proceeds, loan repayments, and interest earnings, with the Department of Community and Economic Development managing the application and oversight process.
SB 1272 updates the Pennsylvania Election Code to clarify how special elections are held when a vacancy occurs in the state Senate or House of Representatives. The bill requires the presiding officer of the affected chamber to issue an election writ within ten days of the vacancy, scheduling the special election at the next primary, municipal, or general election that occurs at least 60 days later. It also allows the presiding officer to cancel the initial schedule and set an earlier date if the Governor calls an extraordinary session before the election, provided the new date still allows for a 60-day period after the writ is issued. Additionally, the law specifies that if a vacancy happens less than seven months before a term ends, a special election will only proceed if the presiding officer determines it serves the public interest.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle laws to increase penalties for driving after a license has been suspended or revoked. It establishes a $200 fine for a first offense, raises fines to between $500 and $2,500 for second or third violations, and mandates fines up to $2,500 plus 30 to 12 months in jail for fourth or subsequent offenses. Additionally, the legislation adjusts sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders of other traffic violations by increasing potential fines and jail time. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill requires maternity care providers in Pennsylvania, including nurses, doctors, and social workers, to complete four hours of trauma-informed care training when renewing their licenses. It mandates that state licensing boards approve specific training curricula within 180 days of the law's effective date. The legislation defines trauma-informed care as a practice that prioritizes safety, trust, and empowerment while addressing the impact of trauma and historical inequities.
This Pennsylvania bill updates the Public School Code to strictly limit the use of artificial intelligence in charter and cyber charter schools. It defines artificial intelligence as machine-based systems that make predictions or decisions and prohibits these schools from using AI to replace human teachers for direct instruction. The law requires local school boards and the state Department of Education to reject applications from schools relying on such models and allows for the nonrenewal or immediate termination of charters that adopt them. Additionally, the bill clarifies the powers and duties of the State Board of Education regarding charter school oversight.
This bill, known as the Temporary Budget Continuity Act, allows Pennsylvania state agencies to continue operating if the legislature fails to pass a new budget by the start of the fiscal year. It authorizes the State Treasurer to spend up to 85% of the funding levels from the previous year for existing programs and services. Any money spent under this temporary authority will be subtracted from the final budget amounts when the new appropriation act is eventually passed. The law ensures that government functions can continue without interruption while maintaining strict limits on spending to prevent budget overruns.
This House Resolution designates April 25, 2026, as "Diabetic Eye Screening Day" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness among people with diabetes. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic recognition of free and low-cost eye screening events organized by various medical institutions across the state. It highlights the importance of early detection for diabetic eye conditions, which often show no symptoms until vision damage becomes irreversible. The measure is sponsored by multiple state representatives and focuses on promoting public health awareness rather than implementing policy changes.
HB 1929 designates an annual "Charlie Kirk Day" in Pennsylvania for commemoration. The bill requires the governor to issue a yearly proclamation recognizing Charlie Kirk, though the bill does not specify his role or contributions. This is a procedural, symbolic measure with no policy changes, funding, or direct impact on residents or programs. It remains pending in the Tourism, Recreation & Economic Development committee.
HR 367 designates November 2025 as "Children's Grief Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This commemorative resolution encourages statewide awareness and community support for children experiencing grief, without creating new laws or funding. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by prompting local organizations, schools, and government entities to recognize and address children's grief through educational and support initiatives during that month. The bill is currently pending in the Children & Youth committee.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a redevelopment assistance capital project and removes a spending cap on housing construction. It defines these projects as those that generate economic activity, have regional impact, and include at least 50% non-state funding, while explicitly excluding highways, bridges, and waste or water facilities. Additionally, the legislation repeals a specific provision that previously limited the use of funds for building housing units to $50 million. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for borrowing money to fund large-scale community and economic development initiatives.
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. It raises the fine limits to $26,262 for first-time offenders, $65,653 for those with one prior violation, and $131,308 for those with multiple prior violations, while also extending the time window for considering past offenses. Additionally, the legislation extends the deadline for filing discrimination complaints from 180 days to 365 days and establishes a mechanism to automatically adjust these penalty amounts annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index. These changes directly affect employers, employment agencies, and other entities subject to the Act by altering the financial consequences and procedural timelines for handling discrimination cases.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's juvenile justice laws by expanding the legal definition of a "child" to include individuals up to age 21 who committed offenses or were previously adjudicated dependent before turning 18. It also clarifies that minors and their guardians generally cannot be forced to pay fees for programs or services, with the specific exception of restitution ordered for victims. Under the new provisions, courts can order delinquent children to pay restitution for damages, capped at $50 per victim for specific funds, and may require up to 75% of earnings from community service to be used for victim compensation. The legislation ensures that courts retain jurisdiction over restitution orders until the child turns 21 or fully complies with the payment plan.
