Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SR 319: A Resolution designating July 4, 2026, as "Knoebels Amusement Resort Day" in Pennsylvania, celebrating 100 years of operation in this Commonwealth.

This resolution designates July 4, 2026, as 'Knoebels Amusement Resort Day' throughout Pennsylvania to honor the park's 100th anniversary. The bill recognizes Knoebels, a family-owned amusement park in Elysburg, for its century of operation and its status as the largest free-admission park in the United States. It highlights the park's history, from its origins as a picnic destination to its current offerings of rides and attractions, while noting its resilience against past flooding challenges. The measure serves as a commemorative tribute rather than enacting new laws or funding.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1323: An Act providing for the regulation of commercial data centers; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority; establishing the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; providing for clean firm energy requirements, contract filing, commission review, disclosure requirements, backup generation standards, curtailment standards and certification and expedited interconnection for commercial data centers bringing incremental clean firm energy resources; and imposing penalties.

This bill establishes a regulatory framework for large commercial data centers in Pennsylvania, specifically targeting facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires these data centers to procure a specific amount of clean, reliable energy from new sources like wind, solar with storage, and nuclear power, while also mandating backup generation capabilities and strict disclosure rules. To support the program, the legislation creates two new funding accounts: one to enhance assistance for low-income households facing high energy costs and another to promote state energy independence. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission will oversee contract reviews and enforcement, with penalties in place for non-compliance.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HR 530: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2026 as "National Arab American Heritage Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates April 2026 as "National Arab American Heritage Month" to honor the state's significant Arab American community. The measure highlights the group's long history in the region, their diverse contributions to society, and their cultural traditions. It also acknowledges the challenges of discrimination faced by Arab Americans and encourages residents to celebrate their heritage.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1338: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in governance of the system, further providing for fee increases and automation fee.

This bill allows Pennsylvania courts in specific counties to charge an additional $10 automation fee when starting a legal case. The collected money must be used exclusively to fund and maintain automated systems within the clerk of courts offices. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent inflation rate as measured by the Consumer Price Index. This change aims to provide dedicated funding for court technology updates while limiting how often and how much the fee can increase.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1009: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in special vehicles and pedestrians, providing for shared low-speed electric scooters; and imposing penalties.

This bill authorizes specific Pennsylvania cities to create regulated programs for shared low-speed electric scooters, allowing users to rent and ride them on public roads. It defines these scooters as lightweight devices with electric motors and sets clear rules, such as requiring riders to be at least 16 years old and limiting speeds to 15 miles per hour. The legislation also establishes safety requirements, including where scooters can be ridden, how they must be parked, and penalties for abandoned or improperly used vehicles.

Topics ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1339: An Act amending the act of November 26, 1982 (P.L.744, No.203), referred to as the Prothonotary Fee Law, further providing for automation fee for prothonotary's office.

This bill allows prothonotaries in specific Pennsylvania counties to charge a new $10 automation fee for starting any legal case. The collected money must be placed in a special fund dedicated solely to updating and maintaining the prothonotary's office technology. The fee can be raised once every three years, but only by an amount matching the recent increase in the national Consumer Price Index. This change applies to second-class A counties, third through eighth-class counties, and home rule counties within those classes.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1331: An Act amending Title 23 (Domestic Relations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in protection from abuse, providing for waiver of fee for corrected or duplicate State documents.

This bill allows individuals who have recently received protection from abuse relief or experienced verified abuse in the last four months to get free copies of important state documents. Specifically, it removes fees for corrected or duplicate driver's licenses, birth certificates, and other identification documents for qualifying victims and their dependents. The law requires that abuse be verified through statements from professionals like doctors, lawyers, or victim service providers, and it mandates that state agencies create clear application processes and standardized forms for these requests.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 2523: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt specific school supplies from sales tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing items for educational purposes during a defined three-month window each year, running from July 1 to September 30. Eligible items include common classroom materials like pens, notebooks, and art supplies, provided each item costs $50 or less. The Department of Revenue will be required to publish online guidance to help clarify how the new exclusion will be implemented.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SR 323: A Resolution congratulating The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on its 14th National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Championship and congratulating both the residents of this Commonwealth and the student athletes of Pennsylvania universities who competed and placed both during the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I Men's Wrestling Championship and the inaugural National Collegiate Athletic Association Women's Wrestling Championship.

Senate Resolution 323 formally congratulates The Pennsylvania State University wrestling team on winning its 14th NCAA Division I Championship and honors Pennsylvania athletes who placed in both the men's and inaugural women's wrestling championships. The resolution highlights the team's historic dominance by citing specific records, such as setting a new tournament scoring record and producing multiple All-American wrestlers under head coach Cael Sanderson. It also recognizes individual achievements, including awards won by wrestlers like Mitchell Mesenbrink and the strong performance of Pennsylvania-native athletes across the tournament.

Scott Martin (R) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1336: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for deprivation of rights.

This bill creates new legal protections against the deprivation of constitutional rights by prohibiting any individual or entity from infringing upon substantive due process or equal protection rights guaranteed by state and federal laws. It establishes that victims of such violations can file civil lawsuits to seek damages, injunctive relief, and civil penalties of up to $25,000 per violation, while also allowing the Attorney General or district attorneys to bring actions on behalf of the injured party. The legislation applies broadly to all persons, regardless of whether they are acting under official authority, and includes provisions for awarding attorney fees and costs to prevailing parties in these cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SB 1329: An Act amending the act of May 3, 1933 (P.L.242, No.86), referred to as the Cosmetology Law, further providing for duration and renewal of licenses.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Cosmetology Law to require cosmetologists and teachers to complete ten hours of continuing education every six months to renew their licenses. The training must include at least eight hours on professional skills, one hour on health and sanitation, and one hour on legal or ethical topics relevant to their specific license. Approved education providers must be authorized by the state board, and proof of these hours must be submitted when applying for renewal. The changes apply to all licensed professionals and educators in the field and will take effect 60 days after the bill is passed.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 20, 2026

SR 324: A Resolution designating the month of June 2026 as "Scoliosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates June 2026 as "Scoliosis Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing spinal curvature. The measure directly affects residents of the state, healthcare providers, and organizations working to improve outcomes for individuals with this condition. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution encourages public education on early detection and treatment of scoliosis to prevent severe health complications. The bill does not change laws or allocate funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote understanding and support for those affected by the disorder.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Bill results