This bill creates the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program to provide financial aid to Pennsylvania residents pursuing specific trade careers in fields like construction, automotive repair, and welding at colleges and universities. To qualify for a grant of up to $5,000 per year, students must maintain satisfactory grades and sign an agreement to live and work in an in-demand trade job within the state for 36 months after graduation. The legislation also establishes a trade career-incentive tax credit for businesses that hire graduates from these approved trade programs.
This bill requires employers in Pennsylvania to inform the state labor department if any mass layoffs are caused by the use of artificial intelligence or other technological changes. When an employer submits a standard notice about a plant closing or mass layoff, they must also specify whether automation was the reason for the job losses. The law applies to most businesses but excludes seasonal and temporary workers, and it sets daily fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 depending on company size for failing to provide this information.
This bill updates Pennsylvania's Child Labor Act to clarify how minors can participate in student-learner and apprenticeship programs, allowing them to work in these roles as long as it complies with existing federal laws. It also permits high school graduates who have finished such programs to continue working in those occupations without additional restrictions beyond federal standards. To ensure consistency, the legislation cancels specific outdated regulations and requires the Department of Labor and Industry to develop new rules within a year or have the old rules expire in three years.
This bill, titled the Broadcast Freemarket Agreement Act, prohibits employers in the radio, television, and digital media industries from enforcing non-compete clauses in employment contracts. It declares such agreements void if they stop workers from moving to other companies or performing services within a specific geographic area after leaving their current job. The law also ensures that employees cannot be forced to sign away these protections, while still allowing employers to maintain confidentiality agreements regarding trade secrets.
This bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to place automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these workers and crew leaders receive basic CPR and AED training while also establishing rules for maintaining and inspecting the devices. The legislation extends legal protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, aiming to improve emergency response capabilities for high-risk workers.
This bill requires electric utilities and their contractors to provide automated external defibrillators at all worksites where lineworkers perform electrical tasks. It mandates that these devices be available and functional at both permanent and temporary locations, while also requiring basic CPR and AED training for workers and crew leaders. The legislation assigns the Department of Labor and Industry the duty to establish maintenance and inspection standards for the equipment. Additionally, the bill extends Good Samaritan protections to individuals who use these devices in good faith, shielding them from liability.
This bill creates a new tax credit for individuals employed as direct support professionals who assist people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. To qualify, workers must have an adjusted gross income of less than $100,000 and can claim a credit of up to $1,000 against their state taxes, with any unused portion refunded as cash. The program is limited to a total of $2 million per fiscal year and will be available from 2026 through 2030.
SB 1260 establishes the State Board of Electrical Licensure to regulate and oversee electrical contractors, electricians, residential electricians, and apprentices in Pennsylvania. The bill requires individuals performing electrical work to obtain specific licenses based on their role and experience, while also mandating liability insurance and continuing education for license holders. To enforce these standards, the legislation creates a system of fees, fines, and penalties for violations, along with procedures for suspending or revoking licenses when necessary.
This bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Education to create a statewide curriculum for shipbuilding and maritime trades to support the state's growing maritime industry. The program will include hands-on training in skills like welding and pipe fitting, align with existing apprenticeships, and offer college credits to help students transition into these careers. To fund the initiative, the bill establishes a competitive grant program for schools to purchase equipment, train teachers, and launch new courses. Additionally, the Department of Education must work with labor groups and employers to ensure the training meets industry needs and submit annual reports on student participation and grant usage.
This bill amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to increase the maximum civil penalties that can be imposed on individuals or entities found guilty of discrimination. Specifically, it raises the fine limits for first-time offenders to $26,262, for those with one prior violation to $65,653, and for those with multiple prior violations to $131,308. The legislation also updates the statute of limitations for filing discrimination complaints, extending the deadline from 180 days to 365 days. Additionally, it requires the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to annually adjust these penalty amounts based on changes in the Consumer Price Index to account for inflation.
