Budget & Taxes

HB 2198 repeals the Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program from Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971. This bill eliminates tax exemptions and refunds previously available for investments in data center equipment, such as servers, cooling systems, and energy infrastructure. The repeal directly affects computer data centers and their owners/operators who previously qualified for these tax benefits under Article XXIX-D. The policy change removes a specific tax incentive program without creating new provisions. This is a procedural change to the tax code, ending an existing program for data center equipment investments.

This bill directs the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to receive a minimum of $19 million in state funding for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. The money is designated for the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, which supports projects aimed at advancing agricultural practices and technologies. By amending the state's Fiscal Code, the legislation ensures this specific funding source is established and available to the department.

HB 257 updates Pennsylvania laws across multiple transportation and gaming areas. It creates new rules for minor driver licensing (including junior licenses and learners' permits), adds penalties for drug delivery on transit, and allows operating controlled substance injection sites near public transit infrastructure. The bill also adjusts interactive gaming taxes, establishes a new highway funding account for state routes, and defines terms for sustainable mobility programs. These changes directly affect drivers (especially minors), transit operators, gaming businesses, and local transportation authorities.

HB 1424 amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to prohibit local governments from taxing admission fees at recreational campgrounds. It adds a new restriction (section 18) preventing municipalities from levying amusement taxes on guest charges for campground access. The bill also clarifies that camping property rentals aren't considered "places of amusement" for tax purposes. This change affects all local authorities covered by the original tax law, including cities, towns, and school districts.

HB 1058 amends Pennsylvania's State Lottery Law to adjust the minimum percentage of lottery revenues dedicated to senior programs. It reduces the required allocation from 20% (for fiscal years 2019-2025) to 10% for fiscal years beginning after June 30, 2025. This directly affects seniors aged 65+ who receive property tax relief and reduced-fare transit services funded by lottery revenues. The change modifies Section 303(a)(11)(iv) of the law, specifying the new funding percentage starting in 2026. The bill became law on July 21, 2025, as Act No. 37 of 2025.