Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 276: A Resolution urging the Congress of the United States to ban insider stock trading and betting in prediction markets.

This Pennsylvania Senate resolution urges the U.S. Congress to pass a law banning insider stock trading and betting in prediction markets for top federal officials. The proposed legislation would prohibit members of Congress, the President, the Vice President, and Cabinet members from buying or selling stocks, derivatives, or other securities that could be influenced by their access to nonpublic government information. Additionally, the bill seeks to forbid these officials from placing financial bets on outcomes related to government actions, policy decisions, or national security events. If enacted, the law would require these officials to divest their holdings within a set timeframe and establish an independent authority to enforce penalties for violations.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 288: A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to promote safe driving habits. The bill aims to educate drivers and passengers about the dangers of activities like texting, eating, or using navigation systems while operating a vehicle. By encouraging responsible behavior, the resolution seeks to raise awareness about preventable crashes and fatalities caused by driver distraction. The measure is a symbolic designation that does not create new laws or penalties but relies on existing state agencies to share resources for public safety campaigns.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1302: An Act amending the act of December 16, 1986 (P.L.1646, No.188), known as the Chiropractic Practice Act, providing for certified chiropractic assistants; in supportive personnel, further providing for supportive personnel; and making an editorial change.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SR 286: A Resolution designating the month of May 2026 as "Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissues. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition's symptoms, such as joint hypermobility and fragile skin, and to encourage better recognition and care for the estimated one in 5,000 people affected. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary medical support for individuals with this chronic condition.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HR 489: A Resolution designating May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates May 17, 2026, as the "25th Anniversary of the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program Day" in Pennsylvania. The resolution recognizes the program, which allows businesses to receive tax credits for donations to scholarship organizations that fund tuition for students in public and private schools. By formally acknowledging the program's 25-year history, the bill highlights its role in providing educational options for families across the state without changing any existing laws or policies.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 1296: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in commercial drivers, further providing for purpose and construction of chapter, providing for English proficiency standard and further providing for disqualification; and imposing penalties.

Senate Bill 1296 requires commercial drivers in Pennsylvania to demonstrate English proficiency by being able to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officials, and complete reports. Drivers who fail to meet this standard face a $500 fine and a one-year disqualification for a first offense, with penalties increasing for repeat violations. The bill also imposes fines on employers and contractors if their drivers are convicted of violating the English proficiency requirement.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2442: An Act amending the act of May 1, 1984 (P.L.206, No.43), known as the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act, providing for temporary operating license; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

HB 2442 amends Pennsylvania's Safe Drinking Water Act to allow the Department of Agriculture to issue temporary operating licenses to applicants seeking retail food facility permits. To qualify, applicants must prove they have submitted a complete public water system permit application and provide certified lab tests showing their water system meets federal standards. The temporary license remains valid only while the permit application is pending and automatically expires if the permit is issued, denied, or if the applicant fails to submit required compliance tests every six months.

Topics ✓ Environment

Jamie Walsh (R) · 24 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2441: 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, providing for educational specialist experience-based certification; and making an editorial change.

HB 2441 creates a new experience-based certification pathway in Pennsylvania for school counselors and school nurses, allowing them to work while completing additional education. The bill requires these professionals to hold a relevant master's or doctoral degree, pass a specific professional exam, and complete a set number of supervised clinical hours. It also mandates continuing education credits, including training on child abuse reporting and suicide prevention, and limits the temporary certification to a maximum of five years.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2421: An Act amending the act of April 12, 1951 (P.L.90, No.21), known as the Liquor Code, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for sales by liquor licensees and restrictions, providing for event permits and further providing for unlawful acts relative to malt or brewed beverages and licensees.

HB 2421 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to allow specific liquor licensees, such as hotels and restaurants, to sell alcohol for private events. The bill creates a new event permit system that lets these businesses sell alcohol starting at 6 a.m. and ending at 4 a.m. the following day, with different rules applying to Sunday events. To use this system, licensees must apply at least 60 days in advance, pay a $500 annual fee, and can receive no more than ten permits per year. The legislation also clarifies existing sales restrictions for various license types, including hotels, restaurants, clubs, and public service providers.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2445: An Act amending the act of June 27, 1996 (P.L.403, No.58), known as the Community and Economic Development Enhancement Act, providing for Office of Housing Opportunity.

This bill creates a new Office of Housing Opportunity within Pennsylvania's Department of Community and Economic Development to oversee housing production goals. The office will be led by a Deputy Secretary appointed by the Governor and will work with other state agencies to develop and meet ten-year housing targets. A new advisory committee will be formed to guide the office, including representatives from the General Assembly, local governments, and housing experts. The office will also manage a grant program for residential economic development districts and publish annual reports on housing progress.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2026

HB 2444: 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 benefit eligibility.

This bill expands death benefit eligibility in Pennsylvania for firefighters who die from cancer linked to their work. To qualify, a firefighter must have served at least four years, had direct exposure to a carcinogen, and passed a pre-service physical exam showing no signs of cancer. The law presumes these deaths occurred while performing official duties, allowing their families to receive financial support under the existing Emergency and Law Enforcement Personnel Death Benefits Act. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

John Inglis (D) · 23 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 22, 2026

SB 980: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies and providing for protection against PFAS chemicals and for firefighting protective equipment; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for award of grants; and imposing penalties.

SB 980 bans the manufacture, sale, and use of class B firefighting foam containing intentionally added PFAS chemicals after July 1, 2026 (for manufacturers/sellers) and January 1, 2027 (for users), with limited exceptions for federal requirements and exempt facilities like airports. It requires manufacturers of firefighting protective gear to label products containing PFAS and provide online information about PFAS content. The bill establishes civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 for first offenses, $10,000 for repeat offenses) and creates new grant funding for fire companies to dispose of PFAS foam and purchase PFAS-free alternatives, with penalty revenue directed to these programs.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results