Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 1186: An Act amending the act of November 21, 2016 (P.L.1318, No.169), known as the Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in pharmacy benefits manager contracts, providing for State pharmacy benefits manager.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Pharmacy Audit Integrity and Transparency Act to update definitions for specialty drugs and spread pricing, while establishing a new requirement for a single state-run pharmacy benefits manager. The legislation directs the Department of Human Services to select one third-party administrator by July 2026 to manage all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients, replacing the current system where multiple pharmacy benefits managers may handle these services. Managed care organizations receiving Medicaid contracts will be required to use this state pharmacy benefits manager, and the selection process must include competitive bidding and strict conflict-of-interest disclosures to prevent financial entanglements between the manager and other healthcare entities.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 12, 2026

HR 433: A Resolution recognizing March 31, 2026, as "Transgender Day of Visibility" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates March 31, 2026, as Transgender Day of Visibility in Pennsylvania to honor the contributions and lives of transgender individuals. The measure does not change laws or policies but serves as a symbolic recognition of the date, which is already observed nationally to celebrate transgender accomplishments and raise awareness about challenges the community faces. It is sponsored by multiple representatives and referred to the Committee on State Government for consideration. The resolution highlights the importance of transgender visibility and acknowledges the ongoing discrimination and violence the community experiences.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2278: An Act providing for the use of paper coupons and digital coupons in retail establishments that sell grocery items; and prohibiting the exclusive use of digital coupons.

This bill requires grocery stores in Pennsylvania that offer digital coupons to also provide identical-value paper coupons for the same items. Stores must make these paper coupons easily accessible at the service desk and may place them in other locations throughout the store. Additionally, the bill mandates that cashiers automatically apply all applicable digital coupons to purchases for customers aged 65 and older, while other consumers must request coupon application. The law aims to ensure all shoppers have access to discount options regardless of their ability to use digital technology.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2279: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in limitation of time relating to criminal proceedings, further providing for other offenses.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's criminal law by establishing a five-year statute of limitations for prosecuting specific serious offenses. It directly affects prosecutors and defendants by setting a deadline within which these cases must be filed after the alleged crime occurs. The law covers a wide range of crimes including murder-related attempts and conspiracies, violent offenses like kidnapping and robbery, financial crimes such as fraud and bribery, and other serious violations like arson and drug delivery resulting in death. The changes apply to all listed offenses regardless of whether the crime was completed or attempted, ensuring that serious allegations can still be pursued within a defined timeframe.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SR 242: A Resolution honoring and commemorating the Pennsylvania First Defenders for their historic service, valor and sacrifice in defense of the national capital at the outset of the Civil War.

This Senate Resolution honors the Pennsylvania First Defenders, a group of 476 volunteer militia members who were the first troops to reach Washington, D.C. to defend the national capital at the start of the Civil War in 1861. The bill formally recognizes their historic service, valor, and sacrifice, particularly noting their journey through Baltimore where they faced violent opposition and suffered casualties. It also encourages Pennsylvania residents, schools, veterans' groups, and civic organizations to observe April 18 each year as "First Defenders Day" through ceremonies, educational programs, and community activities to commemorate these pioneering volunteers.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 11, 2026

HB 2280: An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and providing for ascertaining residence of candidates.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices to file affidavits confirming their eligibility, campaign expense compliance, and party affiliation when submitting nomination petitions. It also adds a separate affidavit specifically for verifying candidate residence and post office address, which will be kept confidential and not subject to public disclosure under state right-to-know laws. The changes apply to a wide range of offices including state representatives, judges, party delegates, and federal candidates, though U.S. presidential candidates would only need to provide their post office address without filing the full affidavit. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage and aims to streamline candidate verification while protecting personal address information from public records.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 11, 2026

HR 429: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania in honor of those whose diligence and professionalism keep our communities and residents safe.

This bill designates the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week" in Pennsylvania. It directly honors 911 dispatchers and public safety telecommunicators who coordinate emergency responses for medical, fire, and police services. The resolution acknowledges the critical role these professionals play as the first point of contact for residents during emergencies. This is a commemorative measure that recognizes the diligence and professionalism of these workers without changing any laws or policies.

Craig Staats (R) · 22 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 11, 2026

SR 243: A Resolution designating the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as "Local Government Week" and April 22, 2026, as "Local Government Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates the week of April 20 through 24, 2026, as "Local Government Week" and April 22, 2026, as "Local Government Day" throughout Pennsylvania. The measure aims to recognize the work of local officials and staff who serve in over 4,800 government units, including counties, municipalities, school districts, and authorities that provide essential services to the state's 13 million residents. The resolution formally commends these officials for their contributions to community services such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and social welfare. This is a commemorative action rather than a law that changes policy or funding.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2276: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general administration relating to correctional institutions, providing for boards of prison inspectors in State correctional institutions.

This bill establishes new Boards of Prison Inspectors at each Pennsylvania State correctional institution to oversee facility conditions and operations. The boards will consist of 18 members including medical professionals, educators, law enforcement officers, county officials, and community representatives, with at least one member being a former inmate or family member of an inmate. Each board will conduct unannounced inspections at least twice annually, review inmate complaints and officer misconduct records, and submit public reports on their findings. Board members serve three-year terms without pay but receive expense reimbursement, and they are prohibited from being current employees of the correctional system.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2272: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for prohibition on expenditures for emission inspection program.

This bill directs Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection to remove a specific third-class county with a population between 215,000 and 216,000 from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program within 60 days of the bill's effective date. The department must then submit a revised State implementation plan to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency by January 1, 2027, demonstrating that the county can maintain federal air quality standards without the inspection program. The plan must comply with federal law and ensure it does not interfere with air quality goals or federal funding, with formal notifications sent to state legislative committee chairs upon EPA approval.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2271: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape.

This Pennsylvania bill proposes changes to state rape sentencing laws by introducing mandatory hormonal or surgical treatment options for convicted offenders. The legislation would allow courts to order convicted rapists to undergo medroxyprogesterone acetate treatment or voluntarily elect surgical castration as part of their sentence. These measures apply to individuals convicted under specific subsections of the state's rape statute, with maximum sentences ranging from 40 years to life imprisonment depending on the offense severity. The Department of Corrections would administer any ordered treatment starting within one week before the offender's release from incarceration.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2026

HB 2275: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for exceptional children, education and training.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to set a strict 60-day deadline for schools to complete initial disability evaluations for students after receiving parental consent. It directly affects school districts, private schools, and other educational organizations that provide services to children with disabilities, while explicitly excluding charter schools from this requirement. The law requires schools to provide parents with a copy of the completed evaluation within this timeframe and takes effect 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ Education

Bill results