Pennsylvania Bills

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 5, 2025

HR 35: A Resolution designating March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" and Pennsylvania's 344th birthday in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates March 9, 2025, as "Charter Day" and Pennsylvania's 344th birthday, commemorating the 1681 charter granted to William Penn by King Charles II. It urges residents, schools, and historical organizations to participate in existing events hosted by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and other state heritage institutions. The resolution has no binding legal effect and does not create new policies or obligations; it solely recognizes a historically observed date through ceremonial designation.

Rob Matzie (D) · 28 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 5, 2025

HR 39: A Resolution commemorating the life and contributions of James Earl "Jimmy" Carter, Jr., and extending condolences on his passing.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution (HR 39) is a symbolic tribute honoring former President Jimmy Carter following his death on December 29, 2024, at age 100. It commemorates his life, presidency, and humanitarian work - including the Camp David Accords, founding The Carter Center, and efforts to eradicate Guinea worm disease - through a series of historical "whereas" statements. As a commemorative resolution, it does not create new laws, allocate funds, or directly affect any individuals or policies. The resolution serves only to formally extend the Pennsylvania General Assembly's condolences and recognize Carter's legacy. It is purely ceremonial, with no legislative or policy impact.

Bob Freeman (D) · 35 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 5, 2025

SB 186: An Act providing for the abrogation of regulations relating to the CO2 Budget Trading Program.

SB 186 repeals Pennsylvania's CO2 Budget Trading Program regulations (specifically 25 Pa. Code Chapter 145 Subchapter E). This bill directly affects entities previously subject to the program's requirements, such as businesses participating in carbon emissions trading. The key provision is the immediate abrogation of all regulatory provisions under the referenced code section, eliminating the state's CO2 trading framework. The bill takes effect immediately upon enactment.

Topics ✗ Energy ✗ Environment

Gene Yaw (R) · 26 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2025

HR 16: A Resolution designating February 2, 2025, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution designates February 2, 2025, as "Rheumatoid Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to increase public understanding of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic condition affecting joints and organs that impacts over 1.3 million Americans. It serves as a symbolic recognition with no legal or funding consequences, aiming to address gaps in awareness about the disease's symptoms and health risks. The resolution has no direct effect on legislation, healthcare policy, or individual residents' rights.

Rob Matzie (D) · 22 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2025

HB 291: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of the road in general, further providing for additional parking regulations.

HB 291, also known as "Susan's and Emily's Law," updates Pennsylvania's parking rules to better protect pedestrians and cyclists. It requires vehicles parked next to pedestrian plazas or bike lanes to position their wheels within 12 inches of the buffer zone between the lane and curb, aligned with traffic flow. The bill also clarifies disability parking rules, allowing local governments to restrict access to specific vehicles or license plates and charge reasonable fees while complying with federal disability law. Violations of the new pedestrian/bike lane parking rules carry a $15 fine, while disability parking violations can result in fines of $50-$300.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Mary Jo Daley (D) · 29 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2025

HB 201: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in intermediate units, further providing for powers and duties of the intermediate unit board of directors and for capital subsidy.

HB 201 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to update how intermediate units (regional education agencies) manage facilities and receive state funding. It expands boards' authority to acquire land/buildings through purchase, lease, or gift (Section 914-A(11)), and requires pre-approval from the Secretary of Education for lease/loan agreements involving office, classroom, or warehouse space (Section 919.1-A(a)). The bill revises the capital subsidy calculation: the state will allocate funds based on each intermediate unit's student enrollment multiplied by the median per-student instructional cost across all districts, then applying a 0.03% rate. This directly affects intermediate units and school districts using their facilities, changing both facility management rules and state funding distribution.

Topics ✓ Education

Joe Ciresi (D) · 23 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 149: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in inspection of vehicles, further providing for requirement for periodic inspection of vehicles.

SB 149 modifies Pennsylvania's vehicle inspection rules by creating a 5-year exemption from emission inspections for the newest model year vehicles (e.g., vehicles manufactured within the last 5 years). It requires a one-time exemption certificate to be affixed to qualifying vehicles and mandates the Department of Transportation to notify inspection stations about these exemptions. The bill also exempts vehicles manufactured without gas caps from requiring a gas cap test and adds visual anti-tampering inspections for emissions control components on the five most recent model year vehicles during annual safety checks. This directly affects new vehicle owners, inspection stations, and the state's emissions compliance process. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✗ Environment

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 35: 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.

SB 35 removes seven specific Pennsylvania counties from the enhanced vehicle emission inspection program based on their population ranges (e.g., third-class counties with 215,000-216,000 residents). The bill requires the Department of Environmental Protection to initiate this removal within 60 days and submit revised state plans to the EPA by January 2026, proving these counties can maintain air quality standards without the inspection program. It also mandates notifying key legislative committees about the plan submissions. The bill directly affects vehicle owners in those counties by ending their requirement for annual emissions inspections under the enhanced program.

Topics ✗ Environment ✗ Transportation

passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2025

HB 190: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school health services, providing for eating disorder awareness and education.

HB 190 requires Pennsylvania schools to annually provide eating disorder awareness and education materials to parents, guardians, and key school staff (like counselors and principals) for students in grades 6-12. The bill mandates that schools share this information via email, mail, or website, using materials developed by the Department of Health in collaboration with an advisory committee of experts from groups like the National Alliance for Eating Disorders and school health organizations. These materials must explain warning signs, resources, prevention, and be available in multiple languages. The law directly affects all public, charter, cyber, and nonpublic schools in Pennsylvania, aiming to improve early recognition and support for students facing eating disorders.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 187: An Act amending Title 71 (State Government) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in boards and offices, establishing the Independent Energy Office; and making an appropriation.

SB 187 establishes Pennsylvania's Independent Energy Office as a nonpartisan state agency to develop comprehensive energy plans covering all energy sources (coal, natural gas, renewables, efficiency, etc.). The office must analyze energy policies, produce annual reports for the legislature, and track energy data, directly affecting how the state oversees energy development and services for businesses, communities, and homeowners. It requires a legislative committee to appoint a politically neutral director by May 2025, with $1.25 million annually allocated from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Fund starting July 2025 to fund operations. The bill mandates that state agencies provide the office with energy data upon request while ensuring public access to its records under Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 4, 2025

SB 154: An Act amending Title 66 (Public Utilities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Public Utility Code, providing for responsible utility customer protection.

SB 154 creates new rules to protect residential utility customers in Pennsylvania from unfair billing practices. It requires utilities to offer flexible payment arrangements when customers experience a significant income drop (20% for households above 200% of the federal poverty level), prohibits charging surcharges for unpaid bills, and mandates medical certificates for service continuation during health crises. The bill directly affects residential customers - especially those in low-income assistance programs like LIHEAP - and utilities, by limiting cash deposits, banning termination for non-payment without notice, and requiring transparent reporting of delinquent accounts. Key provisions include banning late-fee waivers for those who qualify for assistance programs and ensuring service remains available on reasonable terms.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SR 12: A Resolution honoring the life and achievements of former President Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States.

SR 12 is a ceremonial resolution introduced by the Pennsylvania Senate to honor former President Jimmy Carter (39th U.S. President) and his legacy. It formally recognizes his life, achievements - including the Camp David Accords, Nobel Peace Prize, work with The Carter Center, and service as Georgia governor - and extends condolences following his death at age 100. The resolution directs the Senate to transmit a copy to the Carter family via The Carter Center in Atlanta. This is a non-binding tribute with no new policy or legal effect, solely expressing legislative respect for Carter's humanitarian and public service.

Bill results