SB 1076, the Local Hire Act, requires at least 50% of workers on public works projects costing over $500,000 to be hired from the local labor market (defined as Pennsylvania counties and adjacent bordering counties). Employers unable to meet this requirement must post job openings on PA CareerLink® for three business days; if no qualified local applicants are found, they may obtain a waiver but must contribute to a training fund based on the collective bargaining agreement for each waived position. The Department of Labor and Industry oversees the waiver process and enforces penalties for non-compliance. This law applies to contractors working on state or local government construction, repair, or alteration projects (excluding maintenance work).
This resolution designates February 2, 2026, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania. It aims to increase public understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints and organs that impacts over 1.3 million Americans and carries significant health risks like higher heart attack rates. The resolution is symbolic - meaning it does not create new laws or funding, but rather formally recognizes the day to highlight the disease's challenges and connect to broader health awareness efforts. It directly affects Pennsylvanians by encouraging community recognition of rheumatoid arthritis through official state acknowledgment.
HB 2128 amends Pennsylvania's firearm licensing laws by updating the criteria for denying concealed carry permits and requiring detailed annual reporting from the Pennsylvania State Police. It specifies that sheriffs may deny licenses based on violations of federal weapon carriage rules (49 CFR 1540.111) as "good cause," directly affecting applicants seeking concealed carry permits. The bill also mandates the State Police to annually report to the General Assembly on firearm sales types, denied application statistics, background check processing times, license issuances/reversals, and other key metrics. These changes focus on clarifying denial standards and increasing transparency around firearm licensing data. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 2122 amends Pennsylvania's indecent exposure statute (Title 18, Section 3127) to change how offenses are graded based on whether minors (under 16) were present and the offender's prior record. If minors were present, a first offense becomes a misdemeanor of the first degree (previously second degree), and a second or subsequent offense becomes a felony of the third degree (previously a misdemeanor). For cases without minors present, a second offense becomes a misdemeanor of the first degree (previously second degree), and third or subsequent offenses become felonies. The bill directly affects individuals committing indecent exposure in Pennsylvania, altering penalties based on victim age and repeat offenses.
This bill narrows who can legally kill wildlife to protect farm property in Pennsylvania. It restricts the definition of "person" to only: (1) owners/lessees of farms under the state's Right-to-Farm Law, (2) their immediate family living on the farm, (3) household members residing there, or (4) employees regularly working the farm. Previously, broader categories like general land cultivators were included, but this amendment limits the exception strictly to active agricultural operations. The change takes effect 60 days after enactment.
This bill (HB 2121) creates a provisional license pathway for international medical graduates (IMGs) seeking to practice medicine in Pennsylvania. To qualify, IMGs must provide evidence of at least three years of overseas practice, English proficiency, a foreign medical education credential, passing scores on required U.S. medical exams, verification of training, U.S. work authorization, and a full-time job offer from a Pennsylvania healthcare facility. The provisional license is valid for up to four years and requires supervised practice in underserved areas or approved specialties. After four years of good standing, IMGs may transition to a full, unrestricted license, and the board must report annually on license recipients, their practice locations, and specialties to the legislature.
HB 2116 amends Pennsylvania's Taxpayer Relief Act to provide additional property tax relief for low-income senior citizens. It creates a 50% supplemental rebate on top of existing property tax rebates for seniors with household income ≤ $30,000 who live in cities other than first-class cities (e.g., Philadelphia), school districts, or second-class A cities. The bill changes income calculation by allowing property taxes paid on primary residences to reduce taxable income, and updates rebate schedules with annual inflation adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index. These changes directly affect seniors aged 65+ with low fixed incomes who qualify for base property tax or rent rebates.
HB 1628 extends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to cover pregnancy-related care and postpartum support for up to 12 additional months after childbirth or pregnancy loss (such as miscarriage). It directly affects pregnant and postpartum women who are currently receiving medical assistance, have income below 215% of the federal poverty level, and are not otherwise eligible for ongoing assistance. The bill requires the state to seek federal approval for this extension via a waiver under the Social Security Act, and if federal approval is denied, it mandates a report to the legislature within 180 days detailing how to revise the application for future approval. This change aims to improve access to healthcare during a critical period following pregnancy.
HB 2113 requires businesses that collect or process inedible kitchen grease (used cooking fats/oils from restaurants and food establishments) to register with Pennsylvania's Department of Environmental Protection. It mandates registration fees ($250 annually), detailed vehicle/driver information for transporters, and facility details for processors, with businesses required to display registration decals or certificates. The bill establishes a statewide registry to track these operations and imposes penalties for unregistered activity. This directly affects grease haulers and processors, creating a new regulatory framework for handling this waste stream.
HB 2114 makes it a minor violation to use, place, or distribute adhesive pest control devices (like glue traps) without authorization. It directly affects the general public, as these devices are commonly used for pest control in homes or businesses. The bill includes two key exceptions: certified pesticide applicators under Pennsylvania's 1973 Pesticide Control Act, and research/governmental agencies using such devices under controlled conditions for scientific or public health purposes. Violations carry a maximum $25 fine, and the law defines "adhesive pest control devices" as any device using sticky or glue-based surfaces to capture or immobilize animals.
This Pennsylvania Senate resolution (SR 206) designates the week of January 18-25, 2026, as "Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Holiday Week" in the state. It is a commemorative resolution with no binding requirements, urging Pennsylvanians to reflect on Dr. King's legacy and commitment to equality during that week. The resolution does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it solely serves to honor Dr. King's historical contributions.
HB 1322 requires certain state-appointed fiduciaries (like estate administrators or executors) to complete mandatory training on handling decedents' estates and fiduciary duties. The bill amends Pennsylvania's Title 20 statutes to establish this training requirement, directly affecting individuals managing estates under state supervision. This policy change aims to improve oversight and consistency in estate administration by ensuring fiduciaries meet specific competency standards.
