Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1317: 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 updates Pennsylvania's Covered Device Recycling Act by clarifying definitions and expanding the range of electronic items subject to recycling requirements. It specifically adds smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other personal electronics to the list of covered devices while removing mobile phones and landline telephones from the program. The legislation also establishes a sales prohibition mechanism that allows the Department of Environmental Protection to ban the sale of specific brands that fail to meet recycling obligations. Additionally, the bill increases the definition of a small business for program eligibility from 50 to 100 employees and requires manufacturers to report their market share and recycling plans.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 294: An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for definitions and for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a "redevelopment assistance capital project" and sets specific rules for funding such projects. It directly affects local governments and developers seeking state-backed financing for infrastructure and community improvements by defining eligible projects as those that boost employment, generate tax revenue, and involve at least 50% non-State funding. The legislation excludes major public works like highways and sewage facilities but includes stormwater systems, tunnels, roads, hospitals, and housing developments that support economic activity, provided the total project cost is at least $1 million. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed up to $50 million of state funds to be used specifically for constructing housing units. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1314: 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, further providing for imposition of tax.

SB 1314 amends Pennsylvania's personal income tax law to increase tax rates for taxable years beginning after December 31, 2025. The bill raises the tax rate for residents from 3.7% to 9.7% and for nonresidents earning income from Pennsylvania sources from 3.7% to 9.7%. It also clarifies that income earned by certain trusts is taxable to the grantor rather than the trust itself. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania residents, nonresidents with Pennsylvania income, and individuals who establish or manage trusts.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1304: An Act amending the act of June 2, 1915 (P.L.736, No.338), known as the Workers' Compensation Act, in liability and compensation, further providing for computation of benefits.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to increase the maximum burial expense benefit for workers who die on the job. Currently capped at $7,000, the reimbursement amount for funeral costs will be raised to $20,000, which will be paid directly to the funeral home by the employer or their insurance provider. The change applies to all deceased workers regardless of whether they have dependents and ensures this payment is not reduced by any other compensation or medical expenses already received. The new provision takes effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SR 291: A Resolution designating the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania to coincide with "National Public Works Week."

This Senate Resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Public Works Week" in Pennsylvania to align with the national observance. The measure aims to honor public works professionals, such as engineers, inspectors, and contractors, who maintain essential infrastructure and services for the community. By officially recognizing this period, the resolution highlights the contributions of these workers to the state's health, safety, and quality of life. The text does not alter laws or create new programs but serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the public works workforce.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SR 294: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "National Treatment Court Month" in Pennsylvania to raise awareness about specialized courts that address substance use and mental health issues. The measure highlights the work of judges, prosecutors, treatment providers, and other professionals who operate these courts to help individuals recover rather than face traditional punishment. By acknowledging these programs, the resolution aims to educate the public and encourage continued support for initiatives that focus on rehabilitation and community safety.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1309: An Act designating a bridge, identified as Bridge Key 19237, carrying State Route 1018, over a tributary of Dixon Run in Green Township, Indiana County, as the US Army SSGT James D. Rushton Memorial Bridge.

This bill designates a specific bridge in Indiana County as the US Army SSGT James D. Rushton Memorial Bridge to honor a local veteran. The legislation requires the Department of Transportation to place and maintain signs with the new name on the bridge. The act takes effect 60 days after being signed into law.

Topics ✓ Veterans

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SR 293: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Save Your Tooth Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as "Save Your Tooth Month" in Pennsylvania to promote oral health awareness. The measure highlights the importance of preserving natural teeth and acknowledges the specialized role of endodontists in treating dental issues. It encourages residents to maintain good hygiene practices and seek care from dental professionals to protect their teeth.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1310: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in employer child care contribution tax credit, further providing for definitions and for employer child care contribution tax credit.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to expand a tax credit for employers who contribute money to employee child care. It directly affects businesses that provide child care funds to their staff by changing how much they can claim as a tax deduction. Under the new rules, employers will receive a 30% tax credit on contributions up to $500 per employee for the 2026 tax year, increasing to a 100% credit on contributions up to $10,000 per employee for years starting in 2027. The total amount of credits available statewide is capped at $10 million per fiscal year, and if demand exceeds this limit, the credits will be reduced proportionally among all eligible applicants.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SR 301: A Resolution designating the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of May 17 through 23, 2026, as "Emergency Medical Services Week" in Pennsylvania. The bill directly affects the state legislature and aims to recognize the work of emergency medical services providers, including first responders, paramedics, and volunteers. It does not create new laws or change policies but serves as a commemorative measure to highlight the importance of emergency care.

Doug Mastriano (R) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1305: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in emergency medical services system, providing for dementia care training.

This bill requires Emergency Medical Services providers in Pennsylvania to complete specific training on caring for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. The legislation mandates an initial three-hour course covering communication strategies, behavioral management, and recognizing signs of elder abuse, along with an annual one-hour continuing education requirement. The Department of Health will develop this curriculum in partnership with the Department of Aging, and providers who fail to meet these training standards may face certification sanctions. Additionally, the law includes a provision allowing providers who completed similar training within 18 months of the bill's effective date to waive the initial course requirement.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 1306: An Act amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in public safety, providing for Hospital Security Grant Fund.

This bill creates the Hospital Security Grant Fund to provide financial assistance to nonprofit hospitals for improving safety and security measures. The fund will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency and is initially funded with a $10 million transfer from the General Treasury, with potential for additional appropriations in future years. Eligible projects include purchasing security equipment like surveillance systems and metal detectors, conducting vulnerability assessments, providing staff training, and upgrading physical structures to protect patients, employees, and visitors. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis after applications are reviewed by the commission in consultation with state homeland security and police officials.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare

Bill results