Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SR 265: A Resolution recognizing April 15, 2026, as "Purple Up! For Military Kids Day" and the month of April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution officially designates April 15, 2026, as "Purple Up! For Military Kids Day" and the entire month of April 2026 as the "Month of the Military Child" within Pennsylvania. The measure aims to honor the over 37,000 children in the state who have at least one parent serving in the military, National Guard, or reserves by encouraging public support and awareness. The primary mechanism is a symbolic declaration that invites residents to wear purple on the specified date to show solidarity with military families. This action does not alter laws or allocate funding but serves to recognize the unique challenges faced by these children and promote community engagement.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2372: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for declaration of policy, for standards for restructuring of electric industry and for duties of electric distribution companies.

This bill requires hyperscale data centers in Pennsylvania to build their own baseload power generation and pay for all costs to connect that power to the grid, regardless of distance. It mandates that electric distribution companies cooperate with these data centers by planning for their energy needs and prohibiting cross-subsidization of their rates with other customers. Additionally, the bill sets specific rules for long-term power contracts used by default service providers and gives the state commission authority to define what qualifies as a hyperscale data center.

Craig Williams (R) · 32 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2368: An Act providing for standardized human trafficking screening and intervention protocols in health care facilities; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and providing for training and enforcement.

This bill requires Pennsylvania health care facilities, including emergency departments and urgent care centers, to adopt standardized protocols for identifying and assisting patients who may be victims of human trafficking. The Department of Health is tasked with creating these guidelines within 180 days, which will include trauma-informed screening questions, private interview procedures, and specific steps for referring individuals to support services even if they do not wish to involve law enforcement. To ensure staff are prepared, the law mandates that all clinical and patient-facing employees complete initial training upon hiring and undergo continuing education every two years. Additionally, facilities must annually report de-identified data on screenings and referrals to the Department of Health, which will then submit a summary report to the General Assembly.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2364: An Act amending the act of October 10, 1975 (P.L.383, No.110), known as the Physical Therapy Practice Act, further providing for definitions, for training and license required and exceptions and for physical therapist assistant, education and examination, scope of duties and certification.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Physical Therapy Practice Act to formally define "dry needling" and expand the scope of services available to licensed physical therapists. It mandates that only physical therapists who complete a board-approved certification program may perform dry needling, while explicitly excluding this practice from the duties of physical therapist assistants. The legislation also clarifies the definitions of physical therapy to include a broader range of interventions such as mechanical stimulation and wellness promotion. These changes aim to standardize training requirements and delineate the specific responsibilities of different therapy professionals within the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 262: A Resolution recognizing the 56th celebration of "Earth Day" on April 22, 2026, in Pennsylvania.

Senate Resolution 262 is a commemorative measure that formally recognizes the 56th anniversary of Earth Day on April 22, 2026, within Pennsylvania. The resolution highlights the history of the event and encourages residents to participate in environmental protection efforts aligned with the 2026 theme, 'Our Power, Our Planet.' This document does not create new laws or alter policies but serves to acknowledge the date and promote public awareness of environmental stewardship.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 263: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects the state Senate by formally recognizing this observance period to honor crime victims and survivors. It includes a statement reaffirming the Senate's commitment to protecting victims' rights and supporting victim services throughout the year. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of victim support.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2366: An Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 18 from the intersection with 37th Street to the intersection with Wallace Run Road in Beaver Falls, Beaver County, as the Sgt. Allan R. Bevington Memorial Highway.

This bill designates a specific section of Pennsylvania Route 18 in Beaver Falls as the Sgt. Allan R. Bevington Memorial Highway. The designation honors Sergeant Allan R. Bevington, a local veteran who served in the Army and died while disarming an explosive device in Iraq in 2006. The Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions on that road segment.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 562: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1883 (P.L.118, No.105), entitled "An act ceding concurrent jurisdiction of this State over certain lands owned or hereafter acquired by the United States," providing for concurrent jurisdiction in juvenile cases.

HB 562 amends Pennsylvania's 1883 law governing federal lands to explicitly include juvenile cases under the state's retained "concurrent jurisdiction." This means Pennsylvania courts will maintain authority over juvenile matters occurring on federal lands (like post offices) that were previously ceded to the U.S. government. The bill updates the 1883 statute to clarify that the state retains this specific jurisdiction, ensuring juvenile cases are handled under Pennsylvania law rather than solely federal authority. As a procedural amendment to existing law, it does not create new policy but formalizes current practice.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2348: An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for definitions, for interconnection standards for customer-generator facilities and for interagency responsibilities.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify rules for customer-owned renewable energy systems. It specifically expands the definition of "customer-generator" to include larger systems up to 3,000 kilowatts and establishes new requirements for large systems between 50 and 3,000 kilowatts, such as needing independent electric load and limiting system size to 200% of annual consumption. The legislation also adds precise definitions for terms like "avoided cost," "brownfield," and "commercial rooftop" to improve clarity within the existing energy framework. These changes directly affect electric utilities, renewable energy installers, and customers who generate their own power by standardizing how these systems connect to the grid and are compensated.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2362: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic and providing for drivers in organized motorcycle processions; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for following too closely.

This bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify rules for organized motorcycle processions and funerals. It allows drivers in these groups to ignore red lights and stop signs if the lead vehicle proceeds legally, provided they use emergency flashers and headlamps. The legislation also defines specific requirements for organized motorcycle processions, such as having at least 10 participants, being sponsored by a nonprofit, and wearing reflective vests. Additionally, it ensures that vehicles in caravans or motorcades outside urban areas must maintain safe distances to allow other cars to merge safely.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SR 261: A Resolution recognizing April 19, 2026, as "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates April 19, 2026, as "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare birth defect where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which affects approximately 1,600 babies annually in the United States and often requires extensive medical care. By establishing this specific date, the resolution seeks to foster support for affected families and encourage medical research without altering any laws or government operations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 1256: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, providing for accessory dwelling units and for public availability of public utility fees.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to standardize rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on single-family lots. It requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU per lot and sets a maximum size of 1,250 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller. The legislation restricts local governments from imposing certain barriers, such as requiring owner occupancy, mandating specific exterior designs, or charging additional fees for parking and impact. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "gross floor area" and ensures that having an ADU does not reclassify a property as multifamily housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

Bill results