Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SR 228: A Resolution recognizing September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution (SR 228) symbolically recognizes September 25, 2026, as "Chuseok" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws, programs, or funding; instead, it formally acknowledges Chuseok - a Korean harvest festival and cultural celebration - through a legislative resolution. The resolution highlights Chuseok's significance as a time for family gatherings, ancestor rituals, and honoring harvest traditions, such as sharing traditional foods like songpyeon. This recognition is intended to encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about and celebrate Korean cultural heritage. As a commemorative resolution, it has no direct legal or policy impact on individuals or communities.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 1187: An Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 45346, carrying Pennsylvania Route 653 over Buffalo Creek in Garrett Borough, Somerset County, as the Corporal Harold L. Gray Memorial Bridge.

SB 1187 designates the bridge at Bridge Key 45346 on Pennsylvania Route 653 over Buffalo Creek in Garrett Borough, Somerset County, as the Corporal Harold L. Gray Memorial Bridge. The bill honors Corporal Harold L. Gray, a World War II veteran from Garrett who received multiple military awards for bravery, including the Silver Star and Purple Heart, and contributed to his community after the war. The Department of Transportation will install signs displaying the new name on both sides of the bridge. This commemorative measure does not create new policies or affect any group's rights or obligations.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SR 227: A Resolution designating May 7, 2026, as "The Day of Prayer and Fasting" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution (SR 227) designates May 7, 2026, as "The Day of Prayer and Fasting" in Pennsylvania. It is a ceremonial resolution calling for voluntary prayer, fasting, and reflection on that date, without creating new laws or obligations. The resolution references Pennsylvania's historical emphasis on religious liberty and draws parallels to other states observing similar days, but it has no legal effect on citizens or government operations.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 1159: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, providing for the offense of use of live pigeons for target.

SB 1159 would make it a minor criminal offense to organize, operate, or permit events where live pigeons are used as targets for shooting contests, such as events where pigeons are launched or presented to shooters from a fixed location. The law specifically targets these contests for amusement or skill in marksmanship, but excludes activities authorized under Pennsylvania's game laws (like hunting) or dog training programs. It also does not apply to events with special permits under existing regulations. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SB 1184: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Prison Industry Enhancement Authority; providing for employment of incarcerated individuals by private industry and for subcontracts with correctional agencies; establishing guidelines for incarcerated individual compensation; and providing for location of private sector prison industry.

SB 1184 establishes Pennsylvania's Prison Industry Enhancement Authority to create structured employment opportunities for incarcerated individuals in private-sector work programs within correctional facilities. The bill requires private companies to partner with prisons under specific guidelines, ensuring incarcerated individuals earn wages that can cover room/board, compensate victims, and support dependents, while prohibiting displacement of civilian jobs. It mandates that compensation rates be fair, prohibits private industry from creating competitive advantages for businesses, and ensures programs focus on developing job skills to aid post-release employment. The law applies directly to Pennsylvania correctional facilities, private employers participating in these programs, and incarcerated individuals working in them. It does not permit privatization of prison operations or affect civilian labor markets.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 13, 2026

SR 226: A Resolution recognizing February 15, 2026, as "International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution (SR 226) formally recognizes February 15, 2026, as "International Childhood Cancer Day" in Pennsylvania. It expresses the Senate's support for raising awareness about pediatric cancer, honoring children affected by the disease, and acknowledging efforts to improve treatments and research. The resolution has no binding effect or policy changes - it is a symbolic gesture to encourage public awareness and support for families and advocates. It does not directly affect any individuals or allocate funding.

Scott Martin (R) · 18 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 660: An Act providing for minimum energy and water efficiency standards for certain products sold in this Commonwealth; imposing penalties; and making repeals.

HB 660 establishes minimum energy and water efficiency standards for specific products sold in Pennsylvania, directly affecting businesses that sell or install these items. The bill covers commercial equipment like dishwashers, fryers, and ovens, as well as residential products including faucets, showerheads, and water coolers. It requires these products to meet defined efficiency levels to reduce energy/water waste, save consumers money, and lower environmental impact, with fines for non-compliance. The law updates existing rules but excludes products sold outside Pennsylvania, used items, and certain installations like mobile homes.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

Jenn O'Mara (D) · 43 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 460: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in certification of teachers, further providing for child abuse recognition and reporting training; and, in terms and courses of study, providing for child abuse awareness and prevention.

HB 460 requires all teachers in Pennsylvania public schools to complete child abuse recognition and reporting training as part of their certification process. It amends the Public School Code of 1949 to integrate this training into both initial certification and ongoing educator requirements. The bill directly affects educators by mandating specific training to identify and report suspected abuse, ensuring schools meet updated child safety standards. This change applies to all public school teachers, including those seeking certification or renewing credentials.

Topics ✓ Education

Mary Jo Daley (D) · 22 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1923: An Act providing for regulation of the meat packing and food processing industry by creating facility health and safety committees in the workplace; establishing the industry workers' rights coordinator within the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

HB 1923 establishes new workplace safety requirements for meat packing and food processing facilities by mandating facility health and safety committees. It creates a dedicated workers' rights coordinator position within the Department of Labor and Industry to oversee compliance and address concerns. The bill also adds specific public health emergency protections for workers during outbreaks or crises, requiring employers to follow state health guidelines. These changes directly affect workers and employers in the meat and food processing industry across the state.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Jim Haddock (D) · 27 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1738: An Act amending Titles 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns), 11 (Cities) and 16 (Counties) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in corporate power relating to boroughs, further providing for specific powers; in veterans' affairs relating to boroughs, further providing for care and erection of memorials; in corporate powers relating to third class cities, providing for control, maintenance and repair of memorials; in veterans' affairs relating to third class cities, further providing for care of memorials; in grounds and buildings, further providing for monuments, memorials and memorial halls to war veterans and for preservation, maintenance, repair and completion of public monuments; and making an editorial change.

HB 1738 updates Pennsylvania laws to clarify local government authority over veterans' memorials and public monuments. It grants boroughs specific powers to erect, maintain, and repair memorials for veterans, and gives third-class cities control over memorial maintenance and repair. The bill also strengthens rules for preserving, repairing, and completing public monuments related to war veterans across all public grounds. These changes directly affect boroughs and third-class cities statewide by standardizing their responsibilities for memorial care.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1935: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in assault, further providing for the offense of terroristic threats.

HB 1935 requires individuals convicted of terroristic threats to pay restitution for costs incurred during evacuations, including emergency response, transportation, and employee wages for first responders. It also mandates a sentencing enhancement for threats targeting schools or institutions of higher education, which the Pennsylvania Commission on Sentencing must consider. The bill defines "school entity" to include public, charter, private, and cyber charter schools, and "institution of higher education" to cover specific universities like Penn State, Pitt, Temple, and others. These changes directly affect offenders who make terroristic threats in educational settings, holding them financially accountable for the costs their actions trigger.

Topics ✗ Criminal Justice ✓ Education

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 886: An Act amending Title 61 (Prisons and Parole) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general administration relating to correctional institutions, providing for prerelease briefings on veterans benefits.

HB 886 requires Pennsylvania correctional institutions to provide prerelease briefings to inmates who are veterans, specifically informing them about available veterans' benefits. This bill directly affects incarcerated veterans transitioning back into civilian life by ensuring they receive information about benefits they may qualify for. The key provision mandates that these briefings be part of the general administration process for correctional facilities under Title 61 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The bill focuses on improving access to benefits information as part of reentry support, without altering eligibility or benefit amounts.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Veterans

Bill results