SB 1174 is Pennsylvania's capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, allocating over $32 billion for public infrastructure projects across state agencies. It directly affects agencies like the Department of Agriculture (funding Penn State research facilities and animal labs), Environmental Protection (flood control), and the Fish and Boat Commission, by authorizing debt financing for construction, renovations, and equipment. The bill itemizes specific projects - such as a $50 million plant science facility at Penn State and a $25 million equine lab - with total funding split across categories including public improvements ($32.3B), furniture/equipment ($917M), and transportation ($2.6B). It also permits using current revenue for certain projects, like the Manufacturing Fund ($10M for Department of Corrections facilities), without voter approval for debt.
SB 1195 requires most health insurance plans in Pennsylvania to cover preventive services listed by the Insurance Department without cost-sharing (like copays or deductibles). It directly affects health insurers and enrollees (people with health insurance), excluding grandfathered plans (existing before 2010) and limited policies like dental-only or vision-only coverage. The bill establishes a "preventive services list" maintained by the Insurance Department, which can add or remove services after a public comment period. Insurers must cover all listed services without out-of-pocket costs for enrollees, with the department enforcing compliance and imposing penalties for violations.
This bill, SB 1169, allocates specific funding from Pennsylvania's State Gaming Fund, Fantasy Contest Fund, and Video Gaming Fund to four state agencies for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It provides $1.776 million to the Attorney General, $8.434 million to the Department of Revenue, $44.442 million to the Pennsylvania State Police, and $63.557 million to the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for gaming-related operations. Additional funds totaling $280,000 (Fantasy Contest Fund) and $23.475 million (Video Gaming Fund) support specific gaming administration functions. The bill also covers payment of outstanding bills from the prior fiscal year ending June 2026.
HB 2232 amends Pennsylvania law to give law enforcement officers a formal process to challenge inaccurate background records maintained by their agencies. Specifically, it adds Section 7308(c)(1.1), allowing officers to appeal an agency's refusal to correct or remove disputed information under Pennsylvania's judicial review procedures (2 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7). This directly affects current and former law enforcement officers whose employment records contain errors. The bill does not change background investigation standards but establishes a new appeal pathway for record accuracy disputes. It takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 2238 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Health to submit an annual financial report by October 1st detailing all expenditures from the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund, including payments to local EMS agencies, compliance documentation, and corrective actions for noncompliant recipients. If the report is late, administrative funds for the department are withheld, but funding for local EMS providers (like ambulance services and fire departments) remains protected. The Auditor General must verify the report's accuracy, and false certifications carry penalties. The bill aims to increase transparency and accountability in how EMS funds are managed, directly affecting the Department of Health and local emergency medical services providers.
HB 2236 requires Pennsylvania public utilities to notify residential customers when their water usage significantly exceeds typical levels (by 200% or $200 above average over 12 months), as it may indicate a property leak. Notifications must include a leak warning, an estimate of future bills if usage continues, and tips for preventing/identifying leaks. Utilities may offer a free, non-intrusive site visit (with customer consent) to inspect for leaks but cannot disturb property or be held liable for missed leaks. The bill defines "atypical water consumption" and prohibits utilities from using this data for purposes beyond leak alerts.
HB 2231 (Pennsylvania House Bill 2231) creates a new misdemeanor offense for intentionally aiming laser pointers or other light-emitting devices at occupied aircraft when the person knows the aircraft is occupied. This directly affects individuals who point lasers at planes (e.g., during flights or takeoffs), while exempting authorized aircraft manufacturers, law enforcement during official duties, and emergency signaling devices. The bill defines key terms like "laser pointer" and "light-emitting device" to clarify what constitutes the offense. It becomes effective 60 days after enactment, adding specific criminal penalties for conduct that could endanger aircraft operations.
HB 2228 prevents courts from enforcing non-disclosure or non-criticism agreements (like those requiring silence or preventing public discussion) in cases involving workplace sexual harassment or assault under Pennsylvania law. It directly affects survivors who may have signed such agreements with employers, service providers, or contractors. The law makes these clauses unenforceable when reporting abuse, but does not prevent companies from protecting trade secrets. This applies to claims filed in Pennsylvania courts after the law takes effect.
HB 2235 creates a nonrefundable Pennsylvania tax credit of up to $6,000 annually for qualified firefighters and emergency medical service (EMS) providers. It directly affects individuals who are active volunteers or employees of career/volunteer fire companies, EMS companies, or rescue services as defined under Pennsylvania law. The credit applies to the year a person becomes qualified plus the next five consecutive tax years (2027-2031), and must be claimed on tax returns with proof of eligibility. The credit expires December 31, 2037, and cannot be carried over, sold, or transferred.
HB 2230 amends Pennsylvania's traffic laws to hold GPS navigation providers liable if their systems fail to warn commercial drivers about active traffic-control devices (like stop signs or signals), causing violations. Specifically, if a commercial driver violates traffic rules due to a GPS system not explicitly noting a traffic device, the GPS provider faces a $2,000 civil penalty per violation. This applies to companies offering GPS navigation software, satellite apps, or internet-based mapping services. The law targets providers' responsibility to alert drivers to traffic-control devices, not the drivers' liability.
HB 2221 designates Bridge Key 52427 on Pennsylvania Route 970 over the West Branch of the Susquehanna River in Bradford Township, Clearfield County, as the Ashley E. Woolridge Memorial Bridge. The bill requires the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to install and maintain signs displaying the new name on the bridge. This commemorative measure honors Ashley E. Woolridge, a WWII pilot and local community member, as documented in the bill's findings. The designation takes effect 60 days after enactment.
SB 1188 amends Pennsylvania's 1929 Administrative Code to grant collective bargaining rights to school administrators employed by cities of the first class or school districts of the first class A. It allows these administrators to negotiate terms like pay, hours, working conditions, retirement, and benefits through labor organizations representing at least 50% of their peers. Disputes over these terms will be resolved by the Pennsylvania Labor Relations Board using procedures similar to the Public Employers Relations Act. This bill directly affects school administrators in specific large cities and school districts, expanding their formal negotiation rights under state law.
