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 689 amends Pennsylvania's Milk Marketing Law to establish a new "board-established premium" fee on Class 1 fluid milk, directly affecting dairy producers and milk dealers through pricing changes. The bill allows the Pennsylvania Milk Board to set these premiums based on cost of production, price received, and return on equity, with a requirement for legislative review by the Agriculture Committees. If committees fail to disapprove within 30 days (or six session days), the premium is deemed approved. The law also modifies how premiums are collected (via the Department of Revenue), distributed, and exempt from standard administrative review processes, while updating cooperative marketing rules.
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.
SB 417 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to expand the use and revenue generation capabilities of Fort Indiantown Gap. It authorizes the Adjutant General to lease portions of the Fort's land to private businesses that benefit the local community and military families, with generated revenue directed to a new fund. The bill also broadens the Fort's purpose to include emergency response training and quality-of-life programs for service members, veterans, and their families. A new restricted fund, the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund, is established to receive these revenues and donations, supporting these initiatives.
