Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 2459: 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 proposes a temporary sales tax exemption for exercise equipment purchased by individuals for personal use. The measure would allow buyers to avoid paying sales tax on items such as machines, tools, or wearable gear designed to improve physical strength or flexibility. This tax break applies only during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026, and covers purchases made within that period even if the equipment is delivered later. The Department of Revenue would be responsible for publishing online guidance to help consumers understand how to claim this exclusion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on exercise equipment, reducing the financial burden on individuals and promoting personal health.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 2522: 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 sales and use tax on items related to homecoming and prom events. The exemption applies to individuals purchasing formal attire, shoes, flowers, and accessories for nonbusiness use during a six-month window starting July 1, 2026. The law defines specific terms like "homecoming" and "prom" to clarify which events qualify, and it states that the tax exclusion remains in effect even if the purchased items are delivered after the six-month period ends.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax exemptions for specific consumer goods, offering tax relief to individuals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 6, 2026

HB 2488: An Act amending the act of December 31, 1965 (P.L.1257, No.511), known as The Local Tax Enabling Act, in local taxes, further providing for delegation of taxing powers and restrictions thereon and for limitations on rates of specific taxes.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Tax Enabling Act to increase the maximum allowable rate for local services taxes from $52 to $156 per year. It also grants political subdivisions the authority to exempt residents with low income from this tax, requiring exemptions for those earning under $12,000 if the tax rate exceeds $10, and for those earning under $15,600 if the rate exceeds $52. The changes directly affect cities, boroughs, townships, school districts, and other local governments that levy these taxes, as well as the residents who pay them. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after it is passed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases local tax revenue capacity to fund public services while mandating exemptions for low-income residents.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill increases local tax capacity, enabling school districts to fund services and education.60% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 2457: 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 Pennsylvania bill, HB 2457, amends the state's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt individuals from paying sales and use tax on tools purchased for home or auto repair. The change applies only during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026, and covers both handheld and stationary tools along with necessary accessories. To implement this, the Department of Revenue will publish online guidance, and the tax exemption applies to purchases made within the six-month period even if delivery occurs afterward.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on tools for home/auto repair, reducing financial burden on individuals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1230: An Act to provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

This bill allocates state funds from the General Fund to various executive agencies in Pennsylvania for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. It specifically authorizes spending on salaries, wages, travel, contracts, supplies, and other operational expenses necessary for government functions. The legislation also includes a provision to pay any bills that were incurred but not yet paid by the end of the previous fiscal year. Additionally, it establishes that any unspent money from these allocations will automatically become unavailable once the fiscal year concludes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly allocates state funds to executive agencies for operational expenses and unpaid bills, directly advancing fiscal management and government funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2511: 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 withdrawals from certain accounts.

This bill proposes to exempt certain early withdrawals from specific accounts from Pennsylvania personal income tax, mirroring existing federal tax rules. It directly affects parents and first-time homebuyers by allowing them to withdraw up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 jointly for a child's birth or adoption, and up to $10,000 for a home purchase. The legislation applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and becomes effective 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by exempting specific early withdrawals from personal income tax, aligning with fiscal relief indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 2, 2026

SR 321: A Resolution adopting a temporary rule of the Senate relating solely to amendments to the General Appropriation Bill and other appropriation bills for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, including any amendments offered to or for supplemental appropriations for prior fiscal years.

This Senate resolution establishes temporary rules for the Pennsylvania Senate to manage how budget amendments are handled during the 2026 legislative session. It restricts floor amendments to the state's budget bills to only the second and third readings, ensuring that any proposed spending changes do not increase the total budget unless they are fully offset by reductions elsewhere to maintain a balanced budget. Additionally, the rule requires that multi-bill amendments include a specific statement explaining how they achieve financial balance. These guidelines will remain in effect until the General Appropriation Act for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, is officially passed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill enforces balanced budget rules requiring spending increases to be offset by reductions, promoting fiscal responsibility.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

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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 & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax exemptions for bicycles and helmets, offering tax relief to individual buyers for essential personal items.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 2396: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for consumer fuel price relief.

This bill amends Pennsylvania vehicle laws to provide temporary fuel price relief by reducing specific taxes on gasoline and fees for electric vehicle road users. For the first six months after it takes effect, the state will eliminate certain fuel taxes, and for the following six months, it will cut those fees by half. To ensure consumers benefit directly, the law requires fuel dealers to pass these savings on by lowering sale prices and prohibits them from keeping the tax reduction as extra profit. The Department of Revenue must estimate the resulting loss in state revenue, and the State Treasurer is then required to transfer that amount from a budget reserve fund to maintain highway maintenance financing.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill reduces fuel taxes and fees, providing direct tax relief and financial support to consumers.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides direct consumer fuel price relief by reducing taxes and fees, protecting utility consumers and lowering energy costs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill reduces fuel taxes and fees to provide consumer relief, directly benefiting transportation costs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 2453: 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 fireworks, sparklers, and grills for individual buyers. The exemption applies only during a six-month window starting July 1, 2026, and is limited to items purchased for personal, non-business use. The legislation defines specific types of fireworks, sparklers, and grills eligible for the break while requiring the Department of Revenue to provide online guidance on the rule's implementation.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on consumer goods for individual buyers, aligning with tax reduction indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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