Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 28, 2025

HB 1971: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in restructuring of electric utility industry, further providing for definitions and providing for portable solar generation systems.

HB 1971 amends Pennsylvania's public utilities law to restructure the electric utility industry and establish a legal framework for portable solar generation systems. The bill would directly affect electric utility companies and consumers who use or wish to install portable solar systems, including residential and small commercial users. Key provisions involve updating definitions within the public utilities code and creating new regulatory pathways for portable solar systems, though specific implementation details are not provided in the context. Without the full bill text, the exact mechanisms of the restructuring or solar system regulations cannot be detailed.

Topics ✓ Energy

Chris Pielli (D) · 38 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Oct 28, 2025

SB 581: An Act amending the act of December 19, 1975 (P.L.604, No.173), entitled "An act to facilitate the use of electronic funds transfer systems by providing that credits to accounts in financial institutions designated by recipients shall satisfy legal requirements for payments by cash or checks," further providing for electronic funds transfers, for consumer protections and for payroll card accounts.

SB 581 updates Pennsylvania's 1975 electronic payment law to clarify rules for payroll cards and direct deposit. It requires employers to give employees 45 days' notice before eliminating cash/check payment options, with clear disclosure of all choices (including direct deposit) and deadlines to select a payment method at least 7 days before payday. If employees don’t choose, employers may use a payroll card they designate but must provide free access to wages (including two in-network ATM withdrawals weekly) and disclose all fees upfront. The law also prohibits payroll cards charging overdraft fees and mandates employers to honor requests to switch to direct deposit within 14 days. It directly affects Pennsylvania employees and employers using electronic wage payments.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 1997: An Act imposing a duty on health care facilities to provide patients with autologous blood transfusions and direct allogeneic blood transfusions.

HB 1997 requires hospitals and blood banks to inform patients about the option of receiving their own blood (autologous) or blood from a donor (direct allogeneic) when medically appropriate during treatment planning. This applies directly to healthcare facilities providing transfusion services, mandating they discuss these options with patients. The bill does not alter medical standards but adds a requirement for facilities to ensure patients are aware of these specific transfusion choices. It is currently pending in the Health committee after referral on October 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 608: 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 cruelty to animal.

HB 608 amends Pennsylvania's animal cruelty law (Title 18) to adjust penalties based on the severity of harm caused to animals. It classifies most cruelty violations as summary offenses, but raises penalties to a second-degree misdemeanor if the act causes bodily injury or imminent serious injury to an animal. The bill specifically increases penalties for unauthorized ear cropping (cutting ears without a licensed vet), making it a second-degree misdemeanor for a first offense and a first-degree misdemeanor for repeat violations. This directly affects individuals who mistreat animals, particularly those performing prohibited ear cropping procedures.

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

passed · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HR 262: A Resolution designating the month of October 2025 as "Menopause Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

HR 262 designates October 2025 as "Menopause Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. This symbolic resolution does not create new laws, programs, or funding but serves to raise public awareness about menopause. It was adopted by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on October 27, 2025, following its referral to the Health committee. The bill has no direct impact on specific groups or policy changes beyond the designated month.

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

signed · Pennsylvania · House Oct 27, 2025

HB 18: An Act amending Title 20 (Decedents, Estates and Fiduciaries) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in incapacitated persons, further providing for review hearing.

HB 18 requires courts to hold a review hearing for any person declared incapacitated under Pennsylvania law at least every two years. This directly affects individuals under court-appointed guardianship or conservatorship and their legal representatives. The key provision mandates these periodic reviews to assess whether continued incapacity and the need for court supervision remain appropriate. The bill became law on October 27, 2025 (Act No. 39 of 2025), implementing this mandatory review process.

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

Bill results