Pennsylvania Bills

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 203: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for vehicles exempt from registration.

This bill (SB 203) clarifies exemptions for farm vehicles from Pennsylvania vehicle registration requirements. It creates two categories: Type A (under 10,000 lbs gross weight) allows travel within 50 miles for farm business or repairs, and Type B (10,000-17,000 lbs) limits travel to 25 miles for similar purposes. The exemption applies only to vehicles used exclusively on the owner's farm or within specified distances for agricultural activities. It directly affects Pennsylvania farmers operating qualifying vehicles, permitting unregistered operation on public roads under these defined conditions.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 782: An Act amending Titles 24 (Education) and 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for termination of annuities; in membership, credited service, classes of service, and eligibility for benefits relating to retirement for State employees and officers, further providing for mandatory and optional membership in the system and participation in the plan; and, in benefits, further providing for termination of annuities.

SB 782 allows Pennsylvania state retirees (annuitants) to work part-time as certified instructors in specific roles - such as police training, emergency medical services, or fire instruction - without losing their retirement annuity. The bill clarifies that service in these positions does not count toward additional retirement benefits, contributions, or creditable service under the state retirement system. This directly affects retirees employed in these approved educational roles at state institutions, schools, or agencies like the Pennsylvania State Fire Academy.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 990: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in powers of department and local authorities, providing for restrictions of motor vehicles based on power source prohibited.

SB 990 prohibits Pennsylvania state agencies and local governments from restricting the use, purchase, or sale of motor vehicles based on their power source (e.g., electric, hybrid, or gasoline). This directly affects vehicle owners, dealers, and local governments that might have considered implementing such restrictions. The bill adds a new section to vehicle law stating that no political subdivision may impose these restrictions, though it does not affect rules for government-owned fleets. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Energy ✗ Environment ✓ Transportation

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 802: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, providing for communication barrier designation; and imposing penalties.

SB 802 creates a voluntary "communication impairment designation" for Pennsylvania drivers with conditions affecting communication (e.g., autism, aphasia). Drivers submit a medical professional's sworn statement, confirm voluntary disclosure, and provide emergency contact info to add a visible "i" symbol to their license. Law enforcement can access the designation and emergency contacts during traffic stops via secure networks, but specific medical details remain private and are not public records. The designation can be added, updated, or removed without fees (except standard license renewal costs), with penalties for fraudulent applications or misuse to avoid lawful orders.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Pat Stefano (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 18, 2026

SB 1090: An Act providing for disclosures and safeguards relating to the use of artificial intelligence; and imposing duties on the Attorney General.

Based solely on the provided title and committee actions, SB 1090 aims to establish disclosure requirements and safeguards for artificial intelligence systems, with specific duties assigned to the Attorney General. It would directly affect organizations developing or deploying AI tools, requiring them to provide certain disclosures and adhere to safety measures. The bill's key mechanisms involve mandating transparency about AI use and creating an enforcement role for the Attorney General, though the exact scope of disclosures and safeguards is not detailed in the context. The bill is currently in early committee review (Communications & Technology) with no further details on specific provisions available in the provided information.

Topics ✓ Technology

Tracy Pennycuick (R) · 17 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 17, 2026

SR 251: A Resolution honoring the life, valor and sacrifice of United States Army Specialist Krystofer Lee Lopez and expressing deepest condolences and enduring gratitude to his family.

This Senate Resolution honors the life and sacrifice of United States Army Specialist Krystofer Lee Lopez, a Pennsylvania resident who died during a training incident at Letterkenny Army Depot in March 2026. The resolution formally expresses condolences and gratitude to Lopez's family, particularly his twin sister Kiki, and acknowledges his service as a military police officer who was posthumously promoted to Specialist. The document recognizes Lopez's dedication to his country and community while offering official support and remembrance to his loved ones.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 2290: An Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 405 from segment 0270/offset 2380 to segment 220/offset 2306 on Pennsylvania Route 44 in Delaware Township and Watsontown Borough in Northumberland County as the PFC Richard F. "Ricky" Ritter Memorial Highway.

This bill designates a specific stretch of Pennsylvania Route 405 in Northumberland County as the PFC Richard F. "Ricky" Ritter Memorial Highway in honor of a local Marine who died in Vietnam. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the memorial name along the designated roadway. The act also includes background information about Ritter, noting his birth in Williamsport, his service in the Marine Corps, and the Purple Heart he received posthumously. This is a commemorative measure that does not alter traffic laws or funding but serves to recognize a fallen service member.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SR 249: A Resolution honoring the life and extending condolences to the family of Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr.

This Senate Resolution honors the life of Corporal Timothy J. O'Connor, Jr., a Pennsylvania State Police officer who died in the line of duty on March 8, 2026, after responding to a report of an erratic driver who opened fire. The resolution extends condolences to his surviving wife, Casey, and young daughter, Kenzie, and acknowledges his 15-year career with the Pennsylvania State Police, including his service in various units and receipt of multiple awards for his work. The document serves as a formal tribute to O'Connor's dedication to public service and the communities he protected throughout his career.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 2291: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in tobacco products tax, further providing for licensing of retailers.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's tax code to establish a new licensing requirement for tobacco retailers, mandating that applicants meet specific criteria to obtain or renew their retail licenses. The law introduces a distance restriction effective January 1, 2027, prohibiting tobacco retailers from operating within 1,000 feet of any school property line, while also requiring applicants to demonstrate adequate premises for revenue protection, maintain accurate tax reporting, and have no history of tax violations. The measure directly affects tobacco retailers and applicants seeking to sell tobacco products in Pennsylvania, adding compliance steps to the existing licensing process.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

Chris Pielli (D) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 2292: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in obstructing governmental operations, further providing for obstructing administration of law or other governmental function.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's obstruction of governmental operations laws to create a specific exception for healthcare facilities. It allows nonviolent obstruction of law enforcement entry at hospitals and emergency departments unless officers have probable cause and a judicial warrant for a specific individual. The law defines key terms like "health care facility," "emergency department," and "judicial warrant" to clarify when this protection applies. The changes would take effect 60 days after enactment and apply to all law enforcement officers within the state.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 16, 2026

SB 571: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Compact; providing for the form of the compact; imposing additional powers and duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth and the Compact.

SB 571 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Interstate Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact, enabling occupational therapists licensed in one participating state to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate Pennsylvania license. It establishes that therapists practice where their patient is located, requires states to share licensure and disciplinary information, and includes provisions for military spouses relocating across state lines. The bill directly affects licensed occupational therapists, patients seeking services across state lines, and state licensing boards managing professional standards. Key mechanisms include mutual license recognition, a shared data system for tracking disciplinary actions, and telehealth service access rules. (3 sentences)

Topics ✓ Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 16, 2026

HB 554: An Act authorizing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact; and providing for the form of the compact.

HB 554 would authorize Pennsylvania to join the Social Work Licensure Compact, a multi-state agreement that allows social workers licensed in one member state to practice in others without additional exams. The bill provides Pennsylvania with the legal framework to adopt the compact's standard terms, directly affecting licensed social workers seeking to practice across state lines. Key provisions include aligning Pennsylvania's licensing requirements with the compact's uniform standards, simplifying the process for social workers to obtain reciprocal licenses in participating states. This change would streamline professional mobility for social workers while maintaining consistent regulatory oversight.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Aerion Abney (D) · 37 co-sponsors

Bill results