Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1822: An Act amending Title 44 (Law and Justice) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for protection of personal data of certain public servants; imposing duties on data brokers regarding personal data; and providing for civil enforcement.

HB 1822 would protect personal data (like home addresses and phone numbers) of Pennsylvania public servants - such as police officers, teachers, and government workers - from being sold or misused by data brokers. It requires data brokers to delete this information upon request and follow new rules when collecting or sharing it. The bill also creates a civil enforcement mechanism, allowing affected individuals to sue companies that violate these protections. Currently, the bill is stalled in the House after being amended and reported by the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1933: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for persons required to report suspected aggravated cruelty to animal.

HB 1933 amends Pennsylvania's criminal code to require certain professionals (like animal control officers or veterinarians) to report suspected severe animal abuse as part of their existing duties. The bill specifically adds "aggravated cruelty to animals" to the list of offenses that must be reported, similar to how other serious crimes are handled. This change directly affects those who work with animals and have legal obligations to report abuse, making the reporting requirement more explicit for this specific violation. The bill is currently pending in committee after being referred to the Judiciary Committee.

Christina Sappey (D) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1994: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, providing for the offense of political intimidation.

HB 1994 proposes to add a new offense called "political intimidation" to Pennsylvania's criminal code under Title 18. It defines this as committing assault, property damage (except institutional vandalism), or trespass with malicious intent specifically because of someone's political affiliation - such as their party membership or expressed political views. The bill sets penalties one degree higher than the underlying offense (e.g., a misdemeanor of the third degree for a summary offense), and clearly defines "political affiliation" and "malicious intention" to require hatred toward political identity as a necessary element. This bill directly affects individuals who target others' persons or property based on political views, making such acts a separate criminal offense with enhanced penalties. The legislation is pending in the 2025 session and would take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1938: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of aggravated cruelty to animal.

HB 1938 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law to increase penalties for repeat offenses. It changes the grading of aggravated cruelty to animals: a first offense remains a third-degree felony, but a second or subsequent offense becomes a more serious second-degree felony. This bill directly affects individuals convicted of repeated animal cruelty under existing law. The change only modifies sentencing severity for repeat violations, with no new prohibitions or expanded scope of the offense. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1932: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in sexual offenses, repealing provisions relating to the offense of sexual intercourse with animal; and, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of aggravated cruelty to animal, providing for the offense of sexual crimes against animals and further providing for exemption of normal agricultural operations.

This bill removes the existing offense of "sexual intercourse with animal" from Pennsylvania law and replaces it with new provisions defining "sexual crimes against animals" and "aggravated cruelty to animals" (severe animal cruelty). It also explicitly exempts normal agricultural operations from these new provisions. The changes would affect how certain animal-related offenses are prosecuted in court, but not farmers or standard farming practices. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 27, 2025

SB 69: An Act establishing Recovery-to-work as a pilot program within the Department of Labor and Industry; and providing for local recovery-to-work pilot programs, for incentives to encourage business participation and for powers and duties of the Department of Labor and Industry.

SB 69 establishes a temporary pilot program called "Recovery-to-work" within Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry to help individuals recovering from drug or alcohol substance use disorders gain employment. The program requires local workforce development boards to create local pilot initiatives focused on job training, career readiness skills, and recovery support services, partnering with businesses and treatment providers. Businesses that participate receive incentives, and the program leverages existing funds like the Opioid Settlement Account and Reemployment Fund. Local programs must include support services providers, secure business partner commitments, and target in-demand local jobs with industry-recognized credentials. The bill mandates annual reporting to evaluate effectiveness and ensure accountability.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HR 358: A Resolution recognizing November 1, 2025, as "Tylenol Day" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates November 1, 2025, as "Tylenol Day" in Pennsylvania to honor the history of Tylenol (acetaminophen) in the state. It is a ceremonial resolution with no binding legal effect or policy changes. The bill was referred to the Health committee, reflecting its connection to pharmaceutical history but not impacting regulations or constituents.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1996: An Act amending the act of December 17, 1968 (P.L.1224, No.387), known as the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, further providing for definitions and for unlawful acts or practices and exclusions.

This bill (HB 1996) amends Pennsylvania's 1968 Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, but the provided context does not include the specific provisions, definitions, or changes to unlawful acts being proposed. Without details on the actual text of the amendment, it is not possible to describe what the bill does, who it affects, or its key mechanisms. The bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committee for further review. To provide an accurate summary, the full text of the bill or its specific amendments would be required.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HR 357: A Resolution establishing a legislative Hunger Task Force to study and make findings and recommendations for alleviating hunger, addressing food insecurity and increasing access to healthy food in this Commonwealth.

HR 357 establishes a legislative Hunger Task Force to study hunger, food insecurity, and access to healthy food within the Commonwealth. The task force will analyze these issues and develop findings and recommendations for state policymakers. This resolution affects state-level planning and future policy decisions but does not create new laws or programs. It is a procedural step to guide potential future legislative action on food access.

Amen Brown (D) · 30 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1716: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the prohibition on declawing cats.

The bill title contains a factual inconsistency: Pennsylvania's criminal code (Title 18) does not govern animal welfare practices like declawing. Declawing prohibitions are typically addressed in animal welfare statutes (e.g., Title 34), not criminal offenses. The title incorrectly lists "prohibition on declawing cats" under a criminal code amendment, which would be legally inaccurate. Therefore, a meaningful summary of the bill's actual provisions cannot be provided based on this erroneous title description.

Liz Hanbidge (D) · 24 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 24, 2025

HB 1993: An Act providing for the use of artificial intelligence in mental health therapy and for enforcement.

HB 1993 establishes standards and oversight requirements for mental health professionals using artificial intelligence tools in therapy. It directly affects licensed therapists, clinics, and their patients by mandating safety protocols, data privacy safeguards, and regular audits for AI therapy platforms. The bill requires licensing boards to develop enforcement mechanisms, including penalties for non-compliance, and sets criteria for AI tool certification. Referred to the Professional Licensure committee, the bill aims to regulate AI integration while prioritizing patient safety and ethical practice.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 24, 2025

HB 1992: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for surplus donation farmer tax credit; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

HB 1992 creates a new tax credit for Pennsylvania farmers who donate surplus agricultural products (like crops or livestock) to qualified food banks enrolled in the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System. Farmers can claim a credit equal to 100% of the sale price, fair market value, or $20,000 (whichever is lowest) per year, but must apply for certification from the Department of Community and Economic Development with documentation including the food bank’s written acknowledgment. The credit is limited to $5 million total annually and must be used against state income tax liability for the same year, with no carryover beyond one year. This directly affects eligible farmers and food banks participating in the state’s surplus donation program, aiming to reduce food waste while supporting agricultural producers.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Bill results