Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2511: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, providing for exemption from tax for early withdrawals from certain accounts.

This bill proposes to exempt certain early withdrawals from specific accounts from Pennsylvania personal income tax, mirroring existing federal tax rules. It directly affects parents and first-time homebuyers by allowing them to withdraw up to $5,000 individually or $10,000 jointly for a child's birth or adoption, and up to $10,000 for a home purchase. The legislation applies to tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2027, and becomes effective 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2510: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in juvenile matters, further providing for release or delivery to court and for place of detention.

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws to restrict how juvenile suspects are held in police lockups and defines where they can be detained before a court hearing. It generally prohibits keeping children in adult police facilities, allowing it only for short periods under six hours for tasks like identification or processing, provided the child is separated from adults and under constant supervision. For longer-term detention, the law requires judges to confirm that no less restrictive option exists and mandates that children be placed in approved juvenile facilities rather than adult prisons. Additionally, the bill clarifies that children facing serious charges are entitled to an immediate bail hearing if they are held before trial.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

Liz Hanbidge (D) · 18 co-sponsors

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.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2513: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update the definition of "school entity" for the purpose of the Commonwealth Financing Authority. Specifically, it clarifies that the term includes school districts, intermediate units, and area career and technical schools. The change affects how these educational organizations are categorized within the state's financing framework. The legislation takes effect 60 days after becoming law.

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.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2516: 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, providing for comprehensive plan element for commercial data centers; and, in zoning, providing for zoning, commercial data centers and agricultural land protections and for zoning, commercial data centers, approval procedure and minimum standards.

This bill directs Pennsylvania municipalities to update their planning and zoning laws to specifically regulate large commercial data centers, which are defined as facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more. It requires local comprehensive plans to identify suitable sites near existing infrastructure while explicitly protecting prime agricultural land and areas under conservation easements from such development. Additionally, the legislation establishes minimum standards for any data center zoning, including mandatory setbacks of 2,500 feet from residential areas and 300 feet from public roads, along with rules for noise, lighting, water usage, and site restoration. Local governments retain the authority to adopt stricter regulations but must follow these baseline requirements if they choose to permit these facilities.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HB 2515: An Act providing for commercial data center transparency regarding energy use, water use and noise pollution; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Transportation and the Office of Attorney General; and imposing civil penalties.

This bill, known as the Commercial Data Center Transparency Act, requires large data centers in Pennsylvania to publicly disclose their energy, water, and noise impacts. It specifically targets facilities with a peak power demand of 25 megawatts or more, mandating that applicants reveal details in their permit applications regarding water usage, wastewater, air quality, and transportation needs. The law also obligates these facilities to report specific water consumption data to the Department of Environmental Protection if they use more than 100,000 gallons per day or consume 20,000 gallons daily. To ensure compliance, the bill imposes civil penalties on entities that knowingly fail to make required disclosures or submit false information.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HR 521: A Resolution designating the month of September 2026 as "Life Insurance Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 2026 as "Life Insurance Awareness Month" to encourage residents to consider their life insurance needs. The measure is sponsored by several state representatives and directs the House to urge citizens to learn more about life insurance benefits and consult qualified professionals. As a commemorative resolution, it does not change laws or allocate funds but serves to highlight the financial security role of life insurance for families in the state.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HR 522: A Resolution recognizing September 29, 2026, as "VFW Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House Resolution designates September 29, 2026, as "VFW Day" to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars organization. The measure recognizes the VFW's history, its mission to support veterans, and its significant contributions to veterans' benefits and community service. By officially naming this date, the resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge and support the VFW and its members.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Carol Hill-Evans (D) · 32 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 13, 2026

HR 523: A Resolution designating the Monday after Thanksgiving as "Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Day" in Pennsylvania.

This bill designates the Monday after Thanksgiving as Pennsylvania Sportsmen's Day to honor hunters, anglers, boaters, and trappers. The resolution recognizes the contributions of these groups to wildlife conservation, habitat management, and local businesses. It also highlights the importance of family traditions and mentorship in passing outdoor skills to younger generations. The bill is a symbolic gesture with no operational changes or new funding requirements.

Bill results