HB 2256 amends Pennsylvania's theft laws to clarify when a theft offense is classified as a felony of the third degree. It specifies that theft becomes a third-degree felony if the stolen property is valued over $2,000, involves certain vehicles (such as automobiles, motorcycles, or motorboats), includes human remains, or occurs when a person in the business of buying or selling stolen property receives the goods. The bill also defines "human remains" to include any part of a dead body or cremated remains. This change directly affects individuals convicted of theft and how courts categorize these offenses for sentencing.
This is a commemorative resolution (SR 230), not a law. It officially designates March 25, 2026, as "Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution raises public awareness about autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA), a rare blood disorder where the immune system destroys red blood cells, causing symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or directly affect specific individuals or groups - it serves solely as a symbolic recognition to promote understanding of this condition.
SB 1200 designates the apple as the official fruit of Pennsylvania. The bill, effective immediately, recognizes the apple's agricultural significance through findings on Pennsylvania's status as the nation's fourth-largest apple producer and its widespread cultivation across all 67 counties. It specifically highlights historical apple varieties developed in the state, such as Nittany, Smokehouse, Jefferies, and York Imperial. This symbolic designation does not create new regulations or affect any specific groups, but formally acknowledges the fruit's cultural and economic role in Pennsylvania.
SB 1157 amends Pennsylvania's Hazardous Sites Cleanup Act to require immediate action for hazardous substance spills in residential areas. The bill mandates that responsible parties (such as owners, operators, or transporters) must promptly contain, clean up, and remove discharges threatening public health, drinking water, or residential environments. It imposes strict liability on these parties without requiring proof of fault and authorizes the Department of Environmental Resources to issue cleanup directives. The law aims to ensure faster responses to spills endangering homes, water supplies, and residents, aligning with Pennsylvania's constitutional environmental protections.
SB 1193 requires federal immigration agents to obtain a judicial warrant or order before making civil immigration arrests in Pennsylvania state facilities (like prisons or courthouses) or within 1,000 feet of them, with an exception for arrests tied to ongoing proceedings within the facility. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and public authorities operating such facilities by mandating warrant compliance. The bill allows individuals subjected to warrantless arrests to sue state entities for damages (minimum $500) or other relief, and explicitly states that state immunity laws cannot block such lawsuits. This creates legal accountability for state facilities that permit unauthorized federal immigration enforcement actions.
SB 1199 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to impose a 50-mill tax (45 mills base plus 5 mills surtax) on gross receipts from digital advertising services displayed to users on digital interfaces within Pennsylvania. It directly affects companies providing digital advertising - such as social media, search engines, and banner ad platforms - that target users located in the state. The tax applies to advertising services utilizing user personal information, including banner ads, search engine ads, and interstitial ads, but exempts broadcast and news media entities. Key provisions define "digital interface" as websites or apps accessible to users and specify that the tax applies when ads are displayed to users within Pennsylvania, not just when the company is based here. This creates a new revenue stream for the state targeting digital ad revenue generated from Pennsylvania residents.
SB 1198 adds specific definitions to Pennsylvania's Prevailing Wage Act to clarify which projects and entities are covered. It defines "public utility" (excluding electric distribution companies) and creates a new term, "underground infrastructure work," which refers to non-maintenance construction related to underground systems owned by public utilities. These changes directly affect public bodies (like state/local governments), public utilities, and contractors working on projects over $25,000 that involve underground infrastructure. The bill does not alter wage rates or requirements but refines the scope of the existing law.
SB 1185 creates an annual open enrollment period for Pennsylvania Medicare supplement insurance policyholders. Starting on each policyholder's birthday, insurers must offer a 90-day window during which individuals can switch to any comparable Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged more based on health status. Insurers must also notify policyholders 15-30 days before the enrollment period about dates, rights, and policy changes. This amendment modifies Pennsylvania's 1982 Medicare Supplement Insurance Act and replaces an inconsistent existing regulation. The bill directly affects Medicare supplement policyholders in Pennsylvania.
SB 1189 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on race, nationality, or immigration status without probable cause for an immigration violation. The bill defines "indiscriminate arrest" as using these factors to make arrests without a warrant, or to meet a quota, and makes such actions a misdemeanor of the first degree. This applies to all law enforcement officers, including federal officials and state peace officers, as defined in existing law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.
This Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.
SB 1194 requires Pennsylvania health care facilities (like hospitals and clinics) to allow patients to receive autologous blood transfusions (using their own stored blood) or direct allogeneic blood transfusions (using blood donated specifically for them) before certain medical procedures. Patients must notify the facility at least 72 hours in advance and, for direct allogeneic transfusions, provide a list of eligible blood donors. The law aims to reduce reliance on standard donor blood, which carries risks like allergic reactions or infection transmission. It applies to all licensed health care facilities and takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.
