SB 803, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, creates a program allowing Pennsylvania residents who have never owned a home (first-time homebuyers) to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The Treasury Department will administer the program using existing structures (like the ABLE Program), enabling account holders to save for down payments and closing costs on single-family homes. Funds in the accounts can only be used for eligible home purchase expenses, with the program funded by account contributions and earnings - not state debt. This bill directly affects first-time homebuyers seeking to save for homeownership within Pennsylvania.
HB 1826 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act by updating key definitions to clarify anti-discrimination protections in employment. It lowers the minimum employee threshold for businesses to be considered "employers" from four to two workers, expanding coverage to more small businesses. The bill also explicitly includes religious, charitable, and similar organizations as employers for discrimination based on race, color, age, sex, national origin, or disability - previously excluded for these categories. Additionally, it revises the definition of "employee" to focus on employer control over work while maintaining exclusions for casual domestic workers and family employees (e.g., parents, spouses, or children).
SB 270 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Sanitation Law to ban the online sale of human milk. The bill specifically prohibits selling or offering human milk via the internet, including through classified advertisements or direct transactions between individuals. This directly affects online sellers and buyers of human milk, adding a new restriction to the existing law that previously regulated physical milk sales. The amendment takes effect 90 days after enactment.
This bill allows the Pennsylvania Secretary of Education to temporarily waive a rule requiring career and technical education programs to end by the twelfth grade. Under the new provision, the secretary can approve programs that continue beyond high school graduation, though existing programs may still choose to end at grade 12. The authority to grant these waivers will last for three years or until final regulations are issued, whichever happens first. This change directly affects vocational and technical education programs within the state's public school system.
This bill authorizes Pennsylvania municipalities to install automated road safety monitoring systems in school zones to issue citations for traffic violations. Local governments may contract with private vendors to manage these systems and collect fines, which are set at $40 for each violation. The legislation establishes that the registered vehicle owner is liable for the penalty and requires detailed notifications to include photographic evidence and appeal instructions. Additionally, the bill mandates a 30-day grace period where municipalities can issue written warnings instead of fines to educate drivers before enforcement begins.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to officially include linear generators in the state's list of alternative energy sources. It defines linear generators as systems that convert linear motion directly into electricity without flames or sparks, capable of operating on various fuels like hydrogen, ammonia, and biogas. By adding this technology to the "Tier I" category, the legislation ensures that electricity produced by these generators counts toward the renewable energy goals set for electric distribution and supply companies. The changes apply to existing and future energy production methods and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit on public school policies regarding student screen time. The audit will examine current rules in Pennsylvania schools, compare them to policies in other states, and evaluate whether existing limits achieve their intended goals. The committee is required to submit its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year.
This bill prohibits airports and aviation businesses in Pennsylvania from using Automatic Dependent Surveillance Broadcast (ADS-B) data to charge fees to aircraft owners or operators. ADS-B is a technology that automatically shares an aircraft's location, speed, and other flight details with ground stations and other planes. The law makes it illegal for these entities to collect money based on this surveillance information and gives the state Attorney General the power to enforce the rule. The ban applies to any fees calculated or generated from this data within the state's borders.
This bill designates a specific bridge in Allentown, Pennsylvania, as the Mayor William L. Heydt Memorial Bridge to honor the late mayor's legacy. The legislation officially names the structure carrying U.S. Route 222 over Cedar Creek after Heydt, who served as the city's mayor from 1994 to 2002 and was known for his work in economic development and historic preservation. To implement this change, the Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions. The act will become effective 60 days after being passed.
Senate Resolution 328 designates June 2026 as 'The Month of the American Soldier' in Pennsylvania to honor the service and sacrifice of military personnel. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies but serves to recognize the contributions of soldiers and their families. The text specifically highlights thirteen Pennsylvania natives who received the Medal of Honor or held high-ranking positions to exemplify the state's military tradition.
This bill proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for individuals purchasing gardening supplies in Pennsylvania. It directly affects residents buying items such as tools, seeds, plants, and flowers for personal, non-business use. The exemption applies only during a six-month window starting from the bill's effective date, which is set for July 1, 2026. Purchasers must pay for these items by cash or credit within that six-month period, even if the delivery arrives later. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this temporary exclusion.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution officially designates December 29, 2026, as the 175th Anniversary of the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA) in the state. The bill recognizes the YMCA's long history of providing community services, including youth programs, fitness activities, and child care, noting that Pennsylvania hosts more YMCA locations than any other state. It expresses appreciation for the organization's staff and volunteers while encouraging continued support for their efforts to foster community connection and well-being.
