This bill narrows who can legally kill wildlife to protect farm property in Pennsylvania. It restricts the definition of "person" to only: (1) owners/lessees of farms under the state's Right-to-Farm Law, (2) their immediate family living on the farm, (3) household members residing there, or (4) employees regularly working the farm. Previously, broader categories like general land cultivators were included, but this amendment limits the exception strictly to active agricultural operations. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.
This bill (HB 2121) creates a provisional license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice medicine in Pennsylvania. To qualify, IMGs must provide evidence of at least three years of overseas practice, English proficiency, a foreign medical education credential, passing scores on required U.S. medical exams, verification of training, U.S. work authorization, and a full-time job offer from a Pennsylvania healthcare facility. The provisional license is valid for up to four years and requires supervised practice in underserved areas or approved specialties. After four years of good standing, IMGs may transition to a full, unrestricted license, and the board must report annually on license recipients, their practice locations, and specialties to the legislature.
HB 2116 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to provide additional property tax relief for low-income senior citizens. It creates a 50% supplemental rebate on top of existing property tax rebates for seniors with household income ≤ $30,000 who live in cities other than first-class cities (e.g., Philadelphia), school districts, or second-class A cities. The bill changes income calculation by allowing property taxes paid on primary residences to reduce taxable income, and updates rebate schedules with annual inflation adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. These changes directly affect seniors aged 65+ with low fixed incomes who qualify for base property tax or rent rebates.
HB 1628 extends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover pregnancy-related care and postpartum support for up to 12 additional months after childbirth or pregnancy loss (such as miscarriage). It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women who are currently receiving medical assistance, have income below 215% of the federal poverty level, and are not otherwise eligible for ongoing assistance. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval for this extension via a waiver under the Social Security Act, and if federal approval is denied, it mandates a report to the legislature within 180 days detailing how to revise the application for future approval. This change aims to improve access to healthcare during a critical period following pregnancy.
HB 2113 requires businesses that collect or process inedible kitchen grease (used cooking fats/oils from restaurants and food establishments) to register with Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It mandates registration fees ($250 annually), detailed vehicle/driver information for transporters, and facility details for processors, with businesses required to display registration decals or certificates. The bill establishes a statewide registry to track these operations and imposes penalties for unregistered activity. This directly affects grease haulers and processors, creating a new regulatory framework for handling this waste stream.
HB 2114 makes it a minor violation to use, place, or distribute adhesive pest control devices (like glue traps) without authorization. It directly affects the general public, as these devices are commonly used for pest control in homes or businesses. The bill includes two key exceptions: certified pesticide applicators under Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act, and research/governmental agencies using such devices under controlled conditions for scientific or public health purposes. Violations carry a maximum $25 fine, and the law defines "adhesive pest control devices" as any device using sticky or glue-based surfaces to capture or immobilize animals.
HB 1322 requires certain state-appointed fiduciaries (like estate administrators or executors) to complete mandatory training on handling decedents' estates and fiduciary duties. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Title 20 statutes to establish this training requirement, directly affecting individuals managing estates under state supervision. This policy change aims to improve oversight and consistency in estate administration by ensuring fiduciaries meet specific competency standards.
HB 2111 amends Pennsylvania's abortion laws to restrict public facilities and funds. It prohibits publicly owned hospitals, clinics, or government entities from leasing property, entering contracts, or using public funds to support abortion services - except for cases where abortion is necessary to save a mother's life, or to terminate pregnancies resulting from rape or incest that have been reported to law enforcement (with specific documentation requirements). The bill also bans public funds from being used for legal services related to abortion access or restrictions, and requires strict verification of rape/incest reports before funding can be approved for those exceptions. These changes directly affect public health facilities, government agencies, and providers receiving public funding.
HB 2110 repeals existing restrictions on using public funds for abortions under Pennsylvania's Human Services Code. It removes Section 453, which previously limited state/local government funding for abortions except in cases of life endangerment, rape, or incest (with reporting requirements). The bill also abrogates a related regulation (55 Pa. Code § 1163.62(a)). This change directly affects public assistance programs and healthcare providers receiving state funds, eliminating the prior legal barriers to funding abortion services. The policy shift removes specific restrictions but does not establish new funding rules for public assistance programs.
HB 2112 amends Pennsylvania law to require sentencing enhancements for indecent exposure cases where the act was committed "for the purpose of sexual arousal or sexual gratification." This change directly affects individuals convicted of indecent exposure who meet this specific motive criterion. The bill mandates that the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing develop a new sentencing guideline to increase penalties for these cases under existing sentencing framework rules. The law does not alter the definition of indecent exposure but adds a specific sentencing factor for offenses motivated by sexual intent. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 1117, the "Protecting Pennsylvania Police Act," prohibits the federal government from taking control of local law enforcement agencies' assets, personnel, or operations without formal authorization. It directly affects Pennsylvania's local police departments and sheriffs' offices by blocking federal executive orders, presidential actions, or congressional acts from commandeering their resources. The bill defines "commandeering" as seizing control without express authority and empowers the Attorney General or county district attorneys to enforce this prohibition through legal action. It takes effect immediately upon passage.
SB 1126 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover at least two epinephrine delivery systems (such as EpiPens for severe allergic reactions) per year at a maximum annual cost of $35, regardless of the insured's deductible or other cost-sharing. This applies to individual and group health insurance policies, as well as certain nonprofit health plans. The Attorney General must investigate epinephrine drug pricing and submit a public report to the legislature within one year. The bill also allows plans to reduce cost-sharing below $35 and applies to high deductible and catastrophic health plans where permitted by federal law.
