This bill amends the state's tax code to create new deductions and tax credits related to health and fitness for military personnel. Businesses that offer free fitness facility memberships to active duty military, Pennsylvania National Guard, or reserve component members can deduct these costs from their taxable income. Additionally, these qualified military individuals can claim a personal health investment tax credit of up to $600 annually for their own sports and fitness expenses, such as gym memberships or participation fees. These changes will apply to taxable years commencing after December 31, 2024.
HB 182 designates Bridge Key 8377 on Pennsylvania Route 53 over Bear Rock Run in Lilly Borough, Cambria County, as the Corporal James D. Sloan Memorial Bridge. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs on the bridge, based on the General Assembly's findings that Corporal James D. Sloan, a Marine Corps veteran who died by suicide in 1971 due to post-traumatic stress disorder after serving in the Vietnam War, received multiple military medals including the Purple Heart and Combat Action Medal. This is a naming resolution with no direct policy changes or affected populations beyond the bridge signage.
HB 368 clarifies Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to allow owners of antique, classic, vintage, collectible, or historic military vehicle plates to operate these vehicles for transporting people or property, or towing another vehicle, to permitted events (like car shows or club gatherings) without violating non-commercial use rules. This directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hold these special vehicle registration plates. The bill explicitly states that such transportation or towing is permitted only if the owner receives no payment or compensation for the service. The amendment takes immediate effect upon passage and does not change existing requirements for non-commercial use of these vehicles.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 2) designates March 25, 2025, as "National Medal of Honor Day" within the state. It symbolically recognizes the Medal of Honor - the military's highest award for valor - as first presented on March 25, 1863, and highlights Pennsylvania's 379 Medal of Honor recipients (second-highest in the U.S.). The resolution has no binding effect or new policy requirements; it solely serves to honor recipients and their service through a ceremonial designation. It does not directly affect any individuals or alter existing laws.
HB 1190 amends Pennsylvania law to automatically classify veteran-owned small businesses as "small diverse businesses" under Title 51 (Military Affairs). This change eliminates the need for veteran-owned small businesses to seek separate verification to qualify under programs designated for small diverse businesses. The bill directly affects veteran entrepreneurs operating small businesses in Pennsylvania who previously faced additional administrative steps. The policy takes effect 60 days after enactment, streamlining access to relevant state contracting and support programs.
HB 304 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs statutes (Title 51) to add specific provisions for veterans who served in the Korean War. The bill directly affects Korean War veterans by formally including them under state military affairs codes, ensuring they are covered by relevant statutes. It updates existing law through a new statutory provision within Title 51, creating a clear legal framework for their recognition or benefits. The bill was enacted as Act No. 10 of 2025 on June 30, 2025.
This resolution designates December 13, 2025, as "Wreaths Across America Day" within Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial recognition, not a law with enforceable provisions, intended to honor the Wreaths Across America nonprofit's annual effort to place wreaths on veterans' graves. The resolution directly affects Pennsylvania state recognition and awareness of this commemorative event. As a procedural measure, it does not impose new requirements or alter existing laws.
SB 615 adds a new tax exemption for Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and American Legion chapters in Pennsylvania. The bill exempts their properties - including buildings, grounds, and social halls used for veterans' support activities - from county, municipal, and school property taxes, provided all income from these activities supports the organizations' charitable purposes. This change specifically applies to VFW and American Legion chapters founded and maintained through public or private charity. The exemption overrides other tax rules in the statute and takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 412 amends Pennsylvania law to expand group life insurance access for Pennsylvania National Guard members. It allows nonprofit associations to offer group life insurance to eligible Guard members who are on active duty for 30+ consecutive days under specific circumstances, including federal combat deployments, state emergency responses, or federally mobilized duty with state approval. The bill sets coverage limits at $400,000 per member and $100,000 per spouse or dependent, aligning with existing Servicemembers' Group Life Insurance standards. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
This Pennsylvania House resolution (HR 160) urges Congress to amend the PACT Act to include veterans exposed to toxic substances at Camp Carroll military base in South Korea. It specifically seeks to extend the PACT Act's health benefits - which currently cover veterans exposed to toxins at other sites - to veterans who served at Camp Carroll during the Vietnam War era and developed related illnesses like cancer or diabetes. The resolution cites a 2011 report confirming chemical burial at Camp Carroll and notes these veterans remain excluded from PACT Act benefits despite documented health impacts. It does not create new law but formally requests congressional action to correct this exclusion.
