This bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify funding rules for cyber charter schools. It mandates that these schools cannot charge tuition to students who live in or outside the state, with one specific exception. Under this exception, a local school district does not have to pay the tuition for its own students if those students attend an outside cyber charter school instead of the district's own online program. To qualify for this exemption, the district's online program must meet specific standards set by the state department, such as offering in-person orientation, verifying residency, tracking attendance, providing technical support, and assigning case managers for special education needs. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.
HB 2360 creates the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities meet environmental rules for stormwater and the Chesapeake Bay without charging property owners fees. The bill prohibits local governments from levying charges to comply with these requirements and preempts any existing rules that allow such fees, while directing the Department of Environmental Protection to offer grants funded by federal, state, or other sources to cover compliance costs. Additionally, the state cannot enforce these environmental requirements against a local government unless there is enough grant money available to pay for 100% of the compliance expenses.
This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as "Sex Ed for All Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or require new actions from schools or officials. The resolution highlights the importance of comprehensive, medically accurate sexuality education for young people. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of such education, including improved health outcomes and reduced risks of unintended pregnancies and infections.
This Senate Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study reimbursement rates and workforce challenges for shift nursing services provided to individuals under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program. The study will examine current payment structures for both children and adults, compare rates with neighboring states, and analyze how costs differ between home care and hospital settings. Committee members will also gather input from healthcare providers, families, and advocacy groups to assess the impact of potential rate changes on nurse availability and missed shifts. The committee is required to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Senate within 12 months of the resolution's adoption.
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public Employee Relations Act to introduce interest arbitration for specific public sector groups facing collective bargaining impasses. It directly affects prison guards, mental hospital staff, court employees, and peace officers by requiring their labor disputes to be resolved by a binding panel of arbitrators after mediation fails. The law mandates that these arbitrators make final decisions on contract terms, except for provisions that would require new legislation to implement. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's capital development loan program to increase the maximum funding amount for small business projects from $400,000 to $2,000,000. The legislation directly affects small businesses seeking financial assistance for land, buildings, and machinery by allowing them to borrow up to 50% of their total project costs, whichever figure is lower. Under the new rules, the state authority must review applications within 30 days of receiving a complete submission and can approve loans if all requirements are satisfied. The changes apply retroactively to project costs incurred in the 12 months before an application is submitted, and the law will take effect 60 days after being signed.
SB 1257, known as the Small Necessities Leave Act, requires Pennsylvania employers to provide eligible employees with up to 24 hours of paid leave per year to attend to specific family needs. Eligible employees, defined as those working at least 1,250 hours in the past 12 months, can use this time to participate in their children's school activities or accompany children and elderly relatives to medical and dental appointments. The bill mandates that employers cannot retaliate against workers for using this leave and allows for the use of accrued vacation or sick time if preferred. Additionally, the legislation assigns duties to the Department of Labor and Industry to ensure compliance with these new requirements.
Senate Resolution 259 formally designates April 2026 as Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. This resolution aims to increase public awareness about the challenges faced by the state's over 200,000 residents with limb loss or difference, including barriers to accessing prosthetic care and physical activity. The document highlights the importance of mobility resources for health and independence but does not create any new laws or funding. It serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage community support and recognition for individuals affected by these conditions.
This Senate Resolution officially designates April 2026 as National Fair Housing Month in Pennsylvania. The measure serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of fair housing principles without altering existing laws or regulations.
SB 862 updates Pennsylvania's process for filling vacant borough council seats. If a borough council fails to appoint a replacement within 30 days of a vacancy, a special board (composed of council members and one community member) must fill the seat within 15 days. If the board cannot act, it must petition a court to appoint a resident to serve until the next municipal election occurring more than 60 days after the vacancy. This affects boroughs by ensuring vacancies are resolved promptly to maintain full council representation.
HB 1800 would repeal the current legal provisions in Pennsylvania that recognize marriage between people of the same sex by removing specific sections from the domestic relations code. The bill directly affects same-sex couples currently married in Pennsylvania, as it would eliminate the statutory basis for their marriages. Key provisions include amending definitions in the preliminary sections of the code and striking down existing language that addresses same-sex marriage. The bill is currently referred to the Judiciary committee and has not been enacted.
This bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.
