HB 300 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to add explicit protections for religious exercise alongside existing anti-discrimination rules. It directly affects employers, housing providers, and businesses offering public accommodations by prohibiting discrimination based on religion in employment, housing, and public services. The bill updates the law to include religious freedom as a protected category under anti-discrimination provisions. It also clarifies the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's authority to enforce these protections. The amendment does not create new enforcement mechanisms but integrates religious exercise protections into the existing framework of the 1955 Act.
SB 804 amends Pennsylvania's health and safety laws to ban the intentional addition of DEHP and certain ortho-phthalates (like BBP, DBP, DINP) in medical devices. It specifically targets intravenous (IV) solution containers (like IV bags) and IV tubing used in hospitals and healthcare facilities. The bill prohibits manufacturers from adding these chemicals to medical devices if they serve a functional purpose, requiring notice of such additions. This affects device manufacturers and healthcare facilities purchasing these products, directly changing manufacturing standards for common medical equipment.
SB 614 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to establish a state-funded initiative supporting workforce development for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), which are community health centers serving rural and underserved areas. The bill directly affects FQHCs by providing funding to recruit and retain primary care staff, addressing documented shortages in these facilities. Key provisions include creating a dedicated funding stream within the state budget specifically for FQHC workforce expansion, with appropriations to cover hiring and training costs. This policy change aims to strengthen primary care access in communities with limited healthcare resources through targeted financial support.
SB 979 would prevent property tax increases for minor home improvements (20% or less of a property’s current assessed value) on primary residences under specific conditions. The bill prohibits assessors from raising taxes if the home has been the owner’s primary residence for at least five years from the improvement date and this is the first time such minor improvements have been made during ownership. It also explicitly excludes normal repairs and painting from triggering tax reassessments. This bill directly affects homeowners in Pennsylvania making small renovations to their primary homes.
This Senate resolution encourages the Department of Community and Economic Development to partner with private businesses and tourism groups to establish a "Pennsylvania Sweet and Salty Trail." The trail would promote tourism highlighting the state's confectionery, snack food, food manufacturing, and agricultural industries, which support thousands of jobs and generate significant economic activity. The resolution is non-binding and focuses on raising awareness of these industries' contributions, not creating new laws or funding.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to create an Accessibility Advisory Board that will review and recommend changes to accessibility standards for buildings. The 11-member board includes people with disabilities, industry representatives, and public members who will evaluate new accessibility code sections based on public health, economic impact, and technical feasibility. The board will conduct a formal review process starting with the 2024 ICC codes, including public comment periods and hearings before making recommendations. Additionally, the bill establishes a dedicated funding account for the board's administrative operations and updates definitions related to accessibility codes within the state's construction regulations.
This resolution honors the lives of three Pennsylvania law enforcement officers - Detective Sergeant Cody Michael Becker, Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, and Detective Mark Edward Baker - who died in the line of duty on September 17, 2025. The bill formally extends condolences to their families and recognizes their individual contributions to public service, including Becker's heroism in saving a family from a house fire, Emenheiser's leadership and lifesaving awards, and Baker's pioneering work in forensic investigations. As a noncontroversial resolution, it does not create new laws or funding but serves as a legislative acknowledgment of their sacrifice and dedication to their communities.
This Senate Resolution designates April 4, 2026, as "School Librarian Day" in Pennsylvania to honor school librarians and their contributions to education. The measure recognizes the role librarians play in providing students with access to educational resources and teaching media literacy skills. It highlights the importance of school libraries in fostering reading appreciation and academic success while acknowledging the declining number of librarians in Pennsylvania schools. The resolution serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the profession rather than enacting new policy requirements.
This Senate Resolution formally recognizes March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to raise public awareness about screening and prevention. The measure does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to encourage residents to learn about colorectal cancer risks and follow recommended screening guidelines. By highlighting the importance of early detection and prevention, the resolution aims to promote healthier lifestyle choices and support ongoing efforts to reduce colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in the state.
This bill designates a specific stretch of Blakely Street, State Route 6011, and Pennsylvania Route 347 in Dunmore Borough as the Staff Sergeant Steven R. Tudor Memorial Highway. The legislation officially names this roadway to honor Staff Sergeant Tudor, a native of the area who served 18 years in the U.S. Army and died in service during a deployment. The Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new memorial name for traffic traveling in both directions. The changes become effective 60 days after the bill is enacted.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Professional Psychologists Practice Act to update definitions and expand the powers of the State Board of Psychology. It primarily affects licensed psychologists by clarifying what constitutes the practice of psychology and establishing new categories for those who hold prescription certificates. Key provisions include defining collaborative relationships between prescribing psychologists and primary care providers, setting standards for prescribing controlled substances, and outlining procedures for license suspension or revocation. The legislation also clarifies definitions for terms like "prescription certificate" and "controlled substance" to ensure consistent regulatory oversight.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's existing Dog Law to create a new Lost and Found Dog Registry managed by the state Department of Agriculture. The registry will collect information about dogs reported as lost or found by residents or visitors to the Commonwealth, accessible through a 24-hour phone line and a free public website. Dog owners or individuals who find dogs can submit reports without fees, and the department will compile and share this information online to help reunite lost pets with their owners. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.
