Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1185: An Act amending the act of December 15, 1982 (P.L.1291, No.292), known as the Medicare Supplement Insurance Act, providing for annual open enrollment period; and abrogating a regulation.

SB 1185 creates an annual open enrollment period for Pennsylvania Medicare supplement insurance policyholders. Starting on each policyholder's birthday, insurers must offer a 90-day window during which individuals can switch to any comparable Medicare supplement policy without being denied coverage or charged more based on health status. Insurers must also notify policyholders 15-30 days before the enrollment period about dates, rights, and policy changes. This amendment modifies Pennsylvania's 1982 Medicare Supplement Insurance Act and replaces an inconsistent existing regulation. The bill directly affects Medicare supplement policyholders in Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1189: An Act amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in abuse of office, providing for indiscriminate arrest.

SB 1189 amends Pennsylvania law to prohibit law enforcement officers from arresting or detaining individuals based on race, nationality, or immigration status without probable cause for an immigration violation. The bill defines "indiscriminate arrest" as using these factors to make arrests without a warrant, or to meet a quota, and makes such actions a misdemeanor of the first degree. This applies to all law enforcement officers, including federal officials and state peace officers, as defined in existing law. The law takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SR 233: A Resolution recognizing March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate Resolution (SR 233) symbolically recognizes March 21, 2026, as "World Down Syndrome Day" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals or policies, as it is a ceremonial gesture acknowledging the day. The resolution cites statistics about Down syndrome and highlights contributions of people with Down syndrome to society, but contains no binding provisions or requirements. It serves solely to honor the occasion through official state recognition.

Tracy Pennycuick (R) · 19 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1194: An Act requiring health care facilities to provide autologous blood transfusions and direct allogeneic blood transfusions to individuals under certain circumstances.

SB 1194 requires Pennsylvania health care facilities (like hospitals and clinics) to allow patients to receive autologous blood transfusions (using their own stored blood) or direct allogeneic blood transfusions (using blood donated specifically for them) before certain medical procedures. Patients must notify the facility at least 72 hours in advance and, for direct allogeneic transfusions, provide a list of eligible blood donors. The law aims to reduce reliance on standard donor blood, which carries risks like allergic reactions or infection transmission. It applies to all licensed health care facilities and takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1202: An Act amending Title 72 (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, prohibiting certain payment card network fee practices; and imposing penalties.

SB 1202 prohibits payment card networks (like Visa or Mastercard) from including sales tax amounts in credit or debit card processing fees. It specifically bans networks from charging fees based on the total transaction amount (including tax) and prevents them from circumventing this rule by increasing other fees. The bill also stops networks from charging merchants or consumers for disputed transactions until resolved, and prohibits penalties for merchants pricing items legally under state or federal law. This directly affects merchants who accept card payments and payment networks, requiring them to calculate fees without tax amounts. Violations would trigger penalties as outlined in the bill's enforcement section.

Nick Pisciottano (D) · 21 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SR 232: A Resolution recognizing the week of March 8 through 14, 2026, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania.

This is a Senate Resolution (not a bill), recognizing March 8-14, 2026, as "Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week" in Pennsylvania. It symbolically honors the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation's (AACVPR) National Pulmonary Rehabilitation Week, highlighting efforts to address pulmonary disease as a leading cause of death. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any individuals or programs; it is a formal acknowledgment by the Pennsylvania Senate. It specifically commends AACVPR's work on pulmonary health awareness and rehabilitation.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SR 225: A Resolution condemning the use of deadly force by officers of Federal immigration enforcement in incidents that raise serious constitutional and moral concerns.

Pennsylvania's Senate introduced Resolution 225 condemning federal immigration officers' use of deadly force in incidents raising constitutional concerns, specifically referencing two fatal shootings in Minnesota (Renée Good on January 7, 2026, and Alex Pretti on January 24, 2026). The resolution demands impartial investigations into these incidents, calls for federal agencies to review and reform enforcement practices, and urges Congress to strengthen accountability measures. It affirms that constitutional rights apply to all people regardless of immigration status and emphasizes that public safety requires respect for civil liberties. The resolution serves as a formal statement from Pennsylvania's Senate to federal officials, not a binding law.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Immigration

Maria Collett (D) · 21 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SR 229: A Resolution recognizing the observance of the Holy Month of Ramadan, a month of reflection and prayer for the Muslim community in Pennsylvania, from February 18 through March 19, 2026.

Senate Resolution 229 (2026) recognizes the observance of Ramadan for Pennsylvania's Muslim community during February 18-March 19, 2026. It formally acknowledges Ramadan as a month of reflection, prayer, and fasting (Sawm) central to the Islamic faith, without creating new laws or policies. The resolution is symbolic, intended to honor the religious practices of Pennsylvania's estimated 300,000 Muslim residents during this annual observance. It does not directly affect any individuals or impose obligations on government entities.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1190: An Act providing for prohibited and required actions regarding pet shop-kennels for dogs, cats and rabbits; imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture; and imposing penalties.

SB 1190, the Pet Shop-Kennel Act, regulates facilities housing dogs, cats, or rabbits for compensation, including boarding kennels and dealers who sell or transfer these animals. It requires all such facilities to provide adequate shelter from weather and temperature extremes, and mandates the Department of Agriculture to enforce these standards. The bill imposes penalties for violations, such as operating without compliance, and specifically excludes veterinary facilities, grooming centers, and owner-held events like shows. It directly affects pet shops, boarding facilities, and animal dealers in Pennsylvania. The law establishes clear operational requirements for these businesses without specifying new funding or programs.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1192: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in taxation by school districts, further providing for public referendum requirements for increasing certain taxes.

SB 1192 requires Pennsylvania school districts to hold a public referendum for tax increases exceeding the annual index, beginning with the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It mandates that school boards submit specific tax increase proposals to voters at the election immediately preceding the new fiscal year, with approval requiring a majority vote. This directly affects school districts seeking to raise property or income taxes for public school funding, as well as voters in those districts who must approve such increases. The bill modifies existing referendum requirements under the Taxpayer Relief Act to ensure voter consent before certain tax hikes take effect.

Topics ✗ Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SB 1201: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in disposition of abandoned and unclaimed property, further providing for report of property subject to custody and control of the Commonwealth under this article, for certificate of finder registration, for notice and publication of lists of property subject to custody and control of the Commonwealth under this article and for penalties.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update rules for handling abandoned and unclaimed property. It directly affects individuals and businesses that help locate or recover such property for a fee (referred to as "finders"). Key changes require finder agreements with property owners to be in writing, disclose fees (capped at 10% of the property value), and include details about the property and the finder's registration. Additionally, it mandates new background checks and photo requirements for applicants seeking a "finder registration certificate," excluding those with recent convictions for theft, fraud, or related offenses. These provisions aim to increase transparency and prevent exploitation in the unclaimed property recovery process.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 27, 2026

SR 231: A Resolution designating the weekend of February 20 through 22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania and honoring the work of The Pennsylvania State University IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon student volunteers.

This Senate Resolution (SR 231) designates February 20-22, 2026, as "THON Weekend" in Pennsylvania to honor student volunteers from Penn State's IFC/Panhellenic Dance Marathon. It recognizes their work supporting pediatric cancer research and care through the Four Diamonds Fund, which has raised over $254 million since 1977 to assist children with cancer and fund research. The resolution is ceremonial and does not create new laws or obligations.

Wayne Langerholc (R) · 19 co-sponsors

Bill results