Pennsylvania Bills

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 1, 2026

HR 419: A Resolution designating April 14, 2026, as "Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day" in Pennsylvania; and recognizing the week of April 12 through 18, 2026, as "National Animal Control Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House resolution designates April 14, 2026, as "Animal Control Officer and Animal Cruelty Officer Day" and recognizes April 12-18, 2026, as "National Animal Control Appreciation Week" within the state. It formally acknowledges the work of animal control and cruelty officers who investigate animal abuse, protect animals from harm, and handle stray or abandoned animals. The resolution has no legal effect or policy changes - it is solely a symbolic gesture of recognition with no funding or new requirements.

Pat Harkins (D) · 17 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 993: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, providing for consolidated annual report; in veteran-owned small businesses, providing for veteran-owned business logotype; and imposing a penalty.

House Bill 993 creates an official logotype for veteran-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will develop this logotype and establish an application process and eligibility guidelines for businesses to use it. A veteran-owned business is defined as one where at least 51% of the ownership is held by a veteran. The bill also establishes a penalty for fraudulently claiming veteran status to use the logotype and creates a Veteran-Owned Business Coordinator to assist veteran entrepreneurs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

John Inglis (D) · 30 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 1, 2026

HB 627: An Act amending the act of November 22, 1978 (P.L.1166, No.274), referred to as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law, providing for Public Safety Resident Communications Pilot Program.

HB 627 creates a two-year pilot program allowing public safety agencies in select Pennsylvania communities to implement a new communication system connecting residents with emergency services. The bill amends the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency Law to establish this program, directly affecting participating local police departments and fire agencies, as well as residents in designated pilot areas. Key provisions require the Commission to develop guidelines for the system, track participation rates, and report findings to the legislature by 2027. This is a limited-scope pilot, not a permanent statewide requirement, with no funding specified in the bill text.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 28, 2026

SB 1295: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in commercial drivers, further providing for purpose and construction of chapter, for definitions and for commercial driver's license qualification standards, providing for English proficiency standard, further providing for nonresident CDL, for application for commercial driver's license and for disqualification and providing for annual report; and imposing penalties.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's commercial driver's license laws to align with federal standards, specifically regarding English proficiency and testing procedures. It requires that all CDL skills tests be conducted in English without the use of interpreters and mandates that applicants demonstrate English proficiency. The legislation also clarifies rules for nonresident drivers, allows for electronic transfer of skills test results from other states, and establishes penalties for submitting false information on CDL applications. Additionally, it defines specific terms related to immigration status and nondomiciled licenses to ensure consistency with federal regulations.

Topics ✗ Immigration

passed · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 2340: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in malt beverage tax, further providing for limited tax credits.

This Pennsylvania bill creates a limited tax credit program for manufacturers of malt or brewed beverages who make specific capital investments in their production facilities. Under the new rules, eligible companies can receive a tax credit for up to $200,000 in qualifying equipment purchases made during designated time periods, with the credit potentially usable over five years. The legislation also allows these tax credits to be sold to other taxpayers, who can then apply the credit against up to 50% of their own tax liability for that year. The Department of Revenue will oversee the program, including verifying taxpayer compliance before approving credit sales and setting guidelines for the process.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

Ana Tiburcio (D) · 36 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 1485: An Act amending the act of June 24, 1976 (P.L.424, No.101), referred to as the Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act, further providing for death benefits for public works employees, coroners and staff persons and for definitions; and making an editorial change.

HB 1485 amends Pennsylvania's Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act to include "public works employees" as eligible recipients for death benefits. The bill adds a definition clarifying that public works employees - municipal workers maintaining infrastructure like roads, water systems, or parks who respond to emergencies as first responders - are covered if they die while performing duties. It expands the existing $100,000 death benefit (adjusted for inflation) to apply to these employees, alongside firefighters, law enforcement, and others already covered. The change affects surviving spouses, children, or parents of qualifying public works employees who die on duty, without altering the benefit amount or eligibility criteria for other covered personnel.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Transportation

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 14, 2026

SR 307: A Resolution recognizing The United States Army Field Band for its participation in the ceremonial meeting of the Pennsylvania Senate that will convene on May 5, 2026, at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia as part of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Senate Resolution 307 formally recognizes the United States Army Field Band for its participation in the Pennsylvania Senate's ceremonial meeting on May 5, 2026. The resolution honors the band's historical legacy and thanks them for performing at the event held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. This document serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than a law that changes policy or affects public programs.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2026

SR 306: A Resolution celebrating the incredible life and achievements of Benjamin Franklin upon the occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial.

This Senate Resolution honors Benjamin Franklin's life and achievements during the United States Semiquincentennial. It recognizes Franklin's contributions as a scientist, inventor, diplomat, and founding father, noting his roles in establishing the University of Pennsylvania and serving as President of Pennsylvania. The resolution expresses the Senate's pride in Franklin as a member of the General Assembly and directs a copy of the document to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2026

SR 305: A Resolution recognizing the life and accomplishments of the Honorable William Penn, founder of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, upon the occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial.

Senate Resolution 305 formally recognizes the life and accomplishments of William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania, in honor of the United States Semiquincentennial. The resolution highlights Penn's role in establishing the colony through his 'Holy Experiment' of religious freedom and notes that the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were later adopted in Philadelphia. This commemorative measure directs the Senate to record its appreciation for Penn and sends copies of the resolution to the Pennsbury Society, which manages the historical site of Penn's former home.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2026

SR 310: A Resolution commemorating Independence National Park in Philadelphia for hosting the Pennsylvania Senate for a ceremonial meeting upon the momentous occasion of the United States Semiquincentennial.

This Senate resolution formally commends Independence National Park in Philadelphia for hosting the Pennsylvania Senate during a special ceremonial meeting on May 5, 2026. The bill highlights the park's historical significance as the site where the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution were drafted and signed. It also expresses appreciation for Superintendent Steven Sims and his staff for their management of the park during the 250th anniversary of the nation's founding. Finally, the resolution directs that copies be sent to the Secretary of the Interior, the Acting Director of the National Park Service, and the park superintendent.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 13, 2026

SR 316: A Resolution congratulating Indiana University of Pennsylvania on the occasion of its sesquicentennial.

This Senate Resolution congratulates Indiana University of Pennsylvania on its 150th anniversary, marking 150 years since the institution began as Indiana State Normal School in 1875. The document outlines the school's historical evolution from a teacher training program to a university and notes its current status as the only state-owned institution authorized to confer doctor of philosophy degrees. It also highlights the university's ongoing academic growth, including plans to establish a College of Osteopathic Medicine. The resolution expresses the Senate's best wishes for the university's continued success and directs a copy of the document to the university's Council of Trustees.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate May 7, 2026

SB 1298: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for prohibition on expenditures for emission inspection program.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by exempting the newest model year vehicles from emission testing for five years and removing the gas cap test requirement for cars manufactured without one. While these newer cars are waived from emission checks, they must still undergo visual inspections to ensure emissions control parts have not been tampered with. Additionally, the legislation directs the state to stop spending money on the enhanced emission inspection program in several specific counties and to submit a revised plan to the federal government proving those areas can still meet air quality standards without it.

Topics ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

Bill results