Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 289: A Resolution designating the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates the week of April 26 through May 2, 2026, as "Jewish Day Schools Week" in Pennsylvania to recognize the state's 34 Jewish day schools. The measure expresses appreciation for these institutions, which educate over 440,000 Jewish Pennsylvanians and provide cultural and religious instruction. The resolution highlights the schools' role in fostering community, offering bilingual education, and connecting students to global Jewish networks. It also notes that these schools have produced notable alumni such as Seth Rogen and Natalie Portman. This is a ceremonial designation with no changes to laws or funding.

Topics ✓ Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1291: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in service and facilities, providing for advanced transmission technologies.

This bill requires electric distribution companies in Pennsylvania to submit evidence showing how they plan to use advanced transmission technologies when applying to build new power lines. Under the new rules, proposed projects will only be approved if the commission determines that feasible and cost-effective technologies are used to achieve at least two specific goals, such as avoiding new construction, increasing system capacity, or reducing environmental impacts. The legislation also allows companies to recover any extra costs associated with these upgrades through approved tariffs and defines specific technologies like dynamic line rating and high-performance conductors.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 23, 2026

HB 2448: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales and use tax on bicycles, bicycle parts, and helmets. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal, non-business use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. The legislation defines eligible items to include standard bikes, adaptive models, and various types of e-bicycles, while specifying that the tax break is valid if the purchase is made within the timeframe even if delivery occurs later. A department of revenue notice will be published online to guide the public on how to claim this temporary exclusion.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 290: A Resolution recognizing April 29, 2026, as "World Wish Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates April 29, 2026, as "World Wish Day" throughout Pennsylvania to honor the Make-A-Wish Foundation. The measure serves as a symbolic recognition of the organization's work granting wishes to children with critical illnesses and does not create any new laws or require funding. By acknowledging the anniversary of the first wish granted in 1980, the resolution highlights the foundation's impact on children's well-being and community spirit.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1300: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, providing for exemption from tax for early withdrawal from certain accounts.

This Pennsylvania bill, SB 1300, amends the state's personal income tax code to allow tax-free withdrawals from certain retirement accounts for specific life events. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hold these accounts and plan to access funds for a child's birth or adoption or to purchase a first-time home. Under the new provisions, parents may withdraw up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 combined per child, while first-time homebuyers can withdraw up to $10,000. The legislation aligns state tax treatment with federal exemptions for these categories of early withdrawals. These tax exemptions will apply to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1297: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program, further providing for application for certification and for separation of facilities, providing for additional eligibility requirements, further providing for notification, for revocation of certification, for application for certification and for separation of facilities, providing for additional eligibility requirements and further providing for notification and records and for revocation of certification.

This Pennsylvania bill updates the state's Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program by adding new eligibility requirements that will take effect on January 1, 2030. To qualify for tax incentives, data centers must purchase 100% of their electricity from renewable sources and demonstrate investments in environmental management and energy efficiency by meeting specific green building standards. The legislation also allows owners to separate facilities into multiple certified units and establishes procedures for notifying the state of compliance and revoking certifications if requirements are not met.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 276: A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to ban insider stock trading and betting in prediction markets.

This Pennsylvania Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass a law banning insider stock trading and betting in prediction markets for top federal officials. The proposed legislation would prohibit members of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and Cabinet members from buying or selling stocks, derivatives, or other securities that could be influenced by their access to nonpublic government information. Additionally, the bill seeks to forbid these officials from placing financial bets on outcomes related to government actions, policy decisions, or national security events. If enacted, the law would require these officials to divest their holdings within a set timeframe and establish an independent authority to enforce penalties for violations.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 288: A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to promote safe driving habits. The bill aims to educate drivers and passengers about the dangers of activities like texting, eating, or using navigation systems while operating a vehicle. By encouraging responsible behavior, the resolution seeks to raise awareness about preventable crashes and fatalities caused by driver distraction. The measure is a symbolic designation that does not create new laws or penalties but relies on existing state agencies to share resources for public safety campaigns.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1302: An Act amending the act of December 16, 1986 (P.L.1646, No.188), known as the Chiropractic Practice Act, providing for certified chiropractic assistants; in supportive personnel, further providing for supportive personnel; and making an editorial change.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 286: A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissues. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition's symptoms, such as joint hypermobility and fragile skin, and to encourage better recognition and care for the estimated one in 5,000 people affected. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary medical support for individuals with this chronic condition.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 489: A Resolution designating May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the program, which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that fund tuition for students in public and private schools. By formally acknowledging the program's 25-year history, the bill highlights its role in providing educational options for families across the state without changing any existing laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 1296: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in commercial drivers, further providing for purpose and construction of chapter, providing for English proficiency standard and further providing for disqualification; and imposing penalties.

Senate Bill 1296 requires commercial drivers in Pennsylvania to demonstrate English proficiency by being able to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. Drivers who fail to meet this standard face a $500 fine and a one-year disqualification for a first offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. The bill also imposes fines on employers and contractors if their drivers are convicted of violating the English proficiency requirement.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Bill results