Commerce

SB 1182 amends Pennsylvania's Board of Vehicles Act to update definitions and add new requirements for vehicle dealers, manufacturers, and distributors. It requires manufacturers/distributors to reimburse dealers for all parts and service costs mandated by them, includes audit provisions for these reimbursements, and establishes a process for manufacturers/distributors to repurchase dealer inventory or equipment. The bill also adds consumer data protection rules, defining "consumer data" to align with federal standards (15 U.S.C. § 6809) and limiting how third-party "authorized integrators" can access dealer data. These changes directly affect vehicle dealers (who sell new/used cars), manufacturers, and distributors, while protecting consumer data used in dealership operations.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates the week of October 11 through 17, 2026, as "Credit Union Week" in the state. The measure aims to recognize credit unions, which are member-owned financial cooperatives serving approximately 5.5 million people across Pennsylvania and New Jersey. By officially naming this week, the resolution highlights the role these institutions play in providing low-cost financial services and encouraging community involvement. The resolution is symbolic and does not create new laws or change any regulations.

SB 829 designates *Hynerpeton bassetti*, an early four-legged vertebrate discovered in Pennsylvania's Red Hill fossil site, as the state's official fossil. It repeals a 1988 law that previously designated a different fossil. This is a ceremonial update to Pennsylvania's state symbols with no new policies, funding, or regulatory changes.

SB 225 adds a new provision to Pennsylvania's eminent domain law, allowing business owners whose property is taken (or partially taken) to seek compensation for "loss of goodwill" - meaning the loss of customer loyalty, reputation, or community value tied to their location. It directly affects small businesses or property owners operating on land subject to eminent domain proceedings, requiring them to prove the loss was caused by the taking and not already covered in other compensation. Key mechanisms include allowing agencies to challenge claims if relocation was feasible, prohibiting additional goodwill during leaseback agreements, and permitting the use of confidential business tax returns to verify compensation amounts. The law applies retroactively to takings filed on or after January 1, 2024.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create a Small Business Opportunity Program within Neighborhood Improvement Zones. It directs that any excess funds remaining in these zones after required payments must be used to satisfy debts and obligations before 25% of the baseline tax revenue is transferred to a dedicated fund for small business grants. To qualify for these grants, a business must be classified as a small business, employ at least one full-time worker for 35 hours a week, and have filed all required state tax returns. The program aims to encourage entrepreneurship and job creation by providing financial support to eligible local businesses, while also requiring contracting authorities to submit annual reports on the number of participating businesses, total incentives awarded, and jobs created.