HB 1335 provides $500,000 in funding from a restricted revenue account within the state’s General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate. This appropriation directly supports the office’s work assisting small businesses with navigating state regulations and accessing resources. The bill, now law as Act No. 4A of 2025, creates no new policies but allocates specific funds for the office’s existing operations.
SB 205 creates two new funding streams for Pennsylvania highway maintenance: a $5 million annual appropriation from the Motor License Fund to counties starting in 2025, and a 55-mill tax on liquid fuels. Counties can use these funds specifically for constructing and maintaining bridges owned by municipalities within their counties. The bill directly affects local governments by providing dedicated resources for bridge infrastructure, a key need for many communities. It amends Pennsylvania’s vehicle code to redirect existing transportation revenue toward this purpose without changing overall tax rates.
SB 527 amends Pennsylvania's 1965 Local Tax Enabling Act to establish new rules for cities of the first class (like Philadelphia). It prohibits these cities from taxing salaries, wages, or commissions earned by nonresident workers who perform all duties outside city limits, and limits taxation to work done within the city. The bill requires the state to deduct city taxes from public employees' pay and remit them to the city, while also creating a reimbursement process for non-resident workers who overpay city taxes on income earned within the city. These changes directly affect cities, nonresident workers, and public employers in first-class cities.
SB 138 creates a standardized volunteer service credit program for firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) volunteers, and HAZMAT team members in Pennsylvania. It requires local governments to establish programs measuring volunteer contributions - like emergency response calls, training hours, and administrative support - to determine eligibility for tax credits. Volunteers must be certified through a multi-step process involving their organization’s leadership and local government review. The bill also mandates detailed service logs and sets specific requirements for HAZMAT team members, such as maintaining certifications and attending four annual drills. This program directly affects municipal volunteers seeking tax credits for their service.
Senate Resolution 82 adopts a temporary rule for the Senate regarding amendments to appropriation bills for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. This rule dictates that any amendment proposing a change in spending from the budget reported by the Appropriations Committee must not increase the total spending and must result in a balanced budget. Such amendments are only permitted on second or third consideration, and a "statement of intent" is required for amendments affecting multiple appropriation bills.
Senate Bill 163 proposes to appropriate funds for the operation of the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development. It allocates $2,262,000 from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund. This funding is specifically designated to support the office's operations for the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, enabling it to continue its work assisting small businesses.
SB 167 is an act that appropriates funds for the Philadelphia Parking Authority. It allocates $2,269,000 from the Philadelphia Taxicab and Limousine Regulatory Fund to the Authority. This funding is designated for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
SB 162 is an appropriations bill that allocates funds from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026. It provides $87,302,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry to cover expenses for administering the Workers' Compensation Act and The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act. Additionally, the bill appropriates $550,000 to the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development for its operations. These funds also cover any unpaid bills incurred at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.
SB 427, known as the General Appropriation Act of 2025, provides funding from the state's General Fund for the expenses of various agencies within the Executive Department. This bill allocates money for salaries, services, goods, and other operational costs for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025. It also covers any outstanding bills incurred by these agencies from the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. For example, it designates $34 million to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural preparedness and response. Unspent funds generally lapse at the close of the fiscal year.
SB 166 is an appropriations bill that allocates funds for the operational expenses of the State Employees' Retirement Board. It appropriates $39,795,000 from the State Employees' Retirement Fund and $5,979,000 from the SERS Defined Contribution Fund. These funds are designated to cover salaries, travel, contractual services, and other costs necessary for the board to manage state employee retirement plans. The appropriations apply to the fiscal year from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and also cover any unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year.
