Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2654: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees.

This bill expands fee exemptions in Pennsylvania for volunteers serving in fire companies or nonprofit emergency medical services agencies. Under the new provisions, these individuals would no longer pay the standard vehicle registration fee, though they would still be required to pay a $11 processing fee to cover administrative costs. The legislation also clarifies that such exemptions are limited to one passenger car or truck per volunteer, ensuring the benefit applies only to a single vehicle per person.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 22, 2026

SB 1383: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in pupils and attendance, further providing for residence and right to free school privileges; and, in charter schools, further providing for enrollment and notification.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to standardize how student residency is verified and how enrollment changes are reported for both traditional and cyber charter schools. It requires parents to submit a specific annual form by March 1 using a standardized list of acceptable documents, such as utility bills or leases, to prove their address, while exempting homeless students from these requirements. Additionally, the law mandates that cyber charter schools and parents notify the student's local school district within 10 business days of enrollment or any change in residence. These changes aim to streamline administrative processes and ensure consistent documentation across different types of school districts.

Topics ✓ Education

passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2586: An Act prohibiting individuals from holding themselves out as music therapists without holding a valid certification; and imposing a penalty.

This bill establishes legal protections for music therapy by requiring anyone who identifies as a music therapist to hold a valid certification from the Certification Board for Music Therapists. It prohibits unlicensed individuals from claiming to be music therapists, using specific credentials like "MT-BC," or implying they are qualified to provide clinical music therapy services. While the law allows professionals to use music in their general work, it strictly forbids them from representing themselves as certified music therapists without the proper credential. Violations of these rules are classified as third-degree misdemeanors and are also treated as unfair trade practices under state consumer protection laws.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2582: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for drivers of emergency vehicles.

This bill updates Pennsylvania law to clarify which vehicles and personnel qualify as "emergency vehicles" and outlines specific rules for how their drivers may operate on public roads. It expands the official definition to include a wide range of vehicles, such as those used by correctional institutions in first-class cities for internal emergencies or prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by specific high-ranking officials during emergencies. Additionally, the legislation sets clear conditions for when drivers of these vehicles can legally ignore red lights or stop signs, requiring them to first confirm they have the right-of-way before proceeding. The changes apply only to vehicles and drivers meeting the new criteria and will take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2643: An Act amending Title 7 (Banks and Banking) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for virtual currency kiosks; imposing requirements on the Department of Banking and Securities; establishing the Virtual Currency Kiosk Public Education Campaign Fund; and imposing penalties.

This bill would allow Pennsylvania to regulate virtual currency kiosks by requiring most businesses to obtain a license from the Department of Banking and Securities, while exempting existing banks and credit unions. To operate legally, applicants must meet specific financial standards and use a centralized online system for registration, and the kiosks must provide clear information to customers about the exchange process. The legislation also creates a dedicated fund to support public education efforts regarding virtual currency and establishes penalties for operating without a license or violating other rules.

Topics ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2657: An Act providing for the regulation and sale of kratom products; imposing a tobacco products tax on natural kratom products; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for the sale of kratom products in Pennsylvania, requiring businesses to register with the Department of Health and prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom varieties. It mandates that retailers verify customers are at least 21 years old using electronic ID scanners and strictly forbids sharing this data, while also enforcing specific labeling and child-resistant packaging requirements. Additionally, the legislation imposes a tax on natural kratom products and outlines penalties for violations, aiming to standardize oversight and protect public health.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✗ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2651: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in comprehensive plan, further providing for preparation of comprehensive plan; in subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions; and providing for renewable energy siting standards.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to update definitions and requirements for local zoning, subdivision, and land development. It specifically establishes new definitions for renewable energy facilities, including solar and wind systems with a minimum capacity of two megawatts, as well as energy storage and combined generation facilities. The legislation requires local comprehensive plans to include protections for natural resources and agricultural operations while allowing local ordinances to set specific rules for reviewing and processing renewable energy projects. Additionally, the bill mandates that review fees for renewable energy facilities be handled according to a separate section of the code, ensuring a structured approach to siting and permitting these developments.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2659: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, establishing the Advanced Teaching Roles and Evidence-based Strategic Staffing Program; and imposing powers and duties on the Department of Education.

This bill creates a new program within the Pennsylvania Department of Education to fund school districts that adopt evidence-based staffing models designed to improve student learning. The legislation allows districts to receive grants to expand advanced teaching roles where effective teachers lead teams, share leadership responsibilities, and receive additional compensation tied to measurable student outcomes. Key provisions require that these staffing changes include protected time for collaboration, flexible scheduling, and alignment with other state education priorities like structured literacy. Ultimately, the bill aims to support districts in implementing innovative compensation and organizational structures that replicate successful teaching practices across the Commonwealth.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2479: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, further providing for definitions.

This bill updates the legal definition of an emergency vehicle in Pennsylvania's vehicle code to include a wider range of specific vehicles and personnel. It clarifies that the term covers various types of response vehicles, such as those used for hazardous materials, blood delivery, and prisoner transport, as well as privately owned cars driven by top-ranking officials like police chiefs and fire captains during emergencies. The changes aim to ensure these specific vehicles have the same legal protections and rights as standard emergency vehicles when responding to urgent situations. The new definitions will officially take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2542: An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for appeals to court from decisions of the county board and for Secretary of the Commonwealth to tabulate, compute and canvass returns; and, in recounts and contests, further providing for entry and effect of decision and providing for appeal.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to establish stricter deadlines for handling election returns and resolving disputes. It requires the Secretary of the Commonwealth to tabulate and certify election results within five days after election day, with a mandatory notification process if this timeline cannot be met. Additionally, the law mandates that county courts decide election appeals within seven days of filing and allows immediate appeals to the Supreme Court, which must also issue a ruling within a tight seven-day window. These changes directly affect county boards of elections, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, state courts, and election officials by enforcing faster processing times for primary and general election results.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2548: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Gaudenzia DRC, Inc., certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County.

This bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer a 2.7-acre tract of land in Philadelphia, formerly part of the Eastern Pennsylvania Psychiatric Institute, to an organization called Gaudenzia DRC, Inc. for a nominal fee of one dollar. The transfer is conditional on the new owner using the property exclusively for drug and alcohol rehabilitation purposes, with a clause requiring the land to revert to the state if this restriction is violated or if the property is sold within 20 years. Additionally, the deal includes a permanent ban on using any part of the land for licensed gaming facilities, and the transaction requires final approval from the Governor.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 22, 2026

HB 2553: An Act amending the act of November 23, 2010 (P.L.1083, No.108), known as the Covered Device Recycling Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in duties of manufacturers and retailers, further providing for sales prohibition, for registration and for manufacturer plan and reporting; and, in administration, further providing for duties of department, for annual report and for enforcement.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act to update definitions and strengthen recycling requirements for manufacturers and retailers. It clarifies which electronics count as covered devices, such as computers, smartphones, and printers, while explicitly excluding items like landline phones and devices built into other appliances. The legislation also introduces a sales prohibition mechanism, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to maintain a list of non-compliant brands that cannot be sold in the state. Additionally, the bill mandates stricter registration, reporting, and enforcement duties for companies involved in the sale of covered devices.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

Lisa Borowski (D) · 23 co-sponsors

Bill results