This Senate Resolution designates April 2026 as "Distracted Driving Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania to promote safe driving habits. The bill aims to educate drivers and passengers about the dangers of activities like texting, eating, or using navigation systems while operating a vehicle. By encouraging responsible behavior, the resolution seeks to raise awareness about preventable crashes and fatalities caused by driver distraction. The measure is a symbolic designation that does not create new laws or penalties but relies on existing state agencies to share resources for public safety campaigns.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Chiropractic Practice Act to create a new certification program for chiropractic assistants. It directly affects individuals seeking to work as supportive staff in chiropractic offices by establishing specific eligibility requirements, including age, education, moral character checks, graduation from an approved program, and passing a state exam. The legislation outlines procedures for temporary certification, exam retakes, and the exclusive use of the "certified chiropractic assistant" title, while also defining the scope of work these assistants can perform under the direct supervision of a licensed chiropractor. Additionally, the bill mandates continuing education for renewal and sets rules for reinstating certifications that have been revoked.
This Senate Resolution designates May 2026 as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania to highlight a group of genetic disorders affecting connective tissues. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition's symptoms, such as joint hypermobility and fragile skin, and to encourage better recognition and care for the estimated one in 5,000 people affected. By officially setting aside the month for awareness, the resolution seeks to draw attention to the need for accurate diagnosis and multidisciplinary medical support for individuals with this chronic condition.
This bill creates a new chapter in Pennsylvania's public utilities laws focused on protecting responsible customers from financial harm caused by others' unpaid bills. It establishes clearer rules for how utilities handle security deposits, payment arrangements, and service termination while requiring utilities to report on delinquent accounts and public assistance recipients. The legislation also introduces specific definitions for creditworthiness and income changes, mandates automatic meter readings, and provides additional collection tools for city natural gas distribution operations to improve their financial stability.
HB 2151 requires Pennsylvania's Center for Local Government Services to create a model zoning ordinance for data centers within six months. The model must include specific rules like building size limits, minimum distances from residential areas, landscape buffers, noise restrictions, and requirements for water/energy use. This helps local governments (townships, boroughs, cities) regulate data center development to address community concerns. Municipalities can request the Center's assistance when updating zoning rules for data centers, and the model must be updated annually.
HB 2150 requires data centers in Pennsylvania to annually report their energy and water usage, including monthly consumption, energy sources, water sources, efficiency measures, and waste heat recovery, starting July 1, 2027. Data centers must submit detailed reports to the Department of Environmental Protection, covering specifics like peak energy use, water for cooling, and future projections. Non-compliant data centers face daily penalties of $10,000 until reports are submitted, with collected fines funding low-income energy assistance programs. The Department will publish an annual summary of consumption trends and environmental impacts for public and legislative review.
HB 2087 amends Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act to extend coverage to volunteer firefighters, ambulance corps members, and rescue squad volunteers who provide regular operational support (such as fundraising, equipment maintenance, or administrative tasks) but do not respond to emergency calls. The bill adds these volunteers to the definition of "employe" under the act, requiring such support to be conducted regularly and approved by the municipality. It explicitly excludes social members who are not involved in operational duties. This change ensures these volunteers can receive workers' compensation for work-related injuries sustained while performing their support roles. The bill takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 1139 requires Pennsylvania state buildings to install water bottle filling stations in specific locations. New state buildings must include them where drinking fountains are required, and existing buildings undergoing major plumbing renovations must add them where drinking fountains were previously required. Stations must meet technical standards (e.g., minimum 8-gallon-per-hour flow at ≤50°F, not accessible to mouths, not in restrooms) and comply with plumbing codes. The bill aims to encourage reusable bottle use, reduce single-use plastic waste, and provide cost-effective, environmentally friendly water access for state building visitors and staff.
HB 1278 amends Pennsylvania's Election Code to require candidates for state, local, and federal offices (including U.S. Congress) to submit a written statement (replacing the prior "affidavit" requirement) instead of an affidavit. This statement must include specific details like the candidate's residence, election district, office sought, eligibility confirmation, commitment to election laws, and awareness of campaign finance reporting rules. The bill updates penalties for false statements to reference Pennsylvania's unsworn falsification statute (18 Pa.C.S. § 4904), applying to all candidates filing nomination documents. It directly affects every candidate submitting paperwork for election in Pennsylvania, including those running for county, city, school board, or federal positions.
Senate Bill 323 creates the Keystone National Finance Authority, a new public entity intended to promote economic development and job creation across Pennsylvania and the United States. This authority aims to provide additional financing for a wide range of projects, including industrial, commercial, and agricultural activities, as well as infrastructure, transportation, energy, and housing developments. It is designed to issue bonds and engage in conduit financing to fund these projects, supporting community revitalization and business opportunities. The authority is intended to serve as a public instrumentality of the Commonwealth, complementing existing agencies.
HB 1522 requires building owners to install and maintain fuel gas detectors in specific types of buildings, primarily affecting commercial and multi-family residential properties. The bill mandates regular inspections and proper functioning of these detectors to prevent gas leaks. Building owners who fail to comply face fines or other penalties as outlined in the legislation. The bill is currently under review by the Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities committee.
HB 980 changes the composition of Pennsylvania's State Board of Pharmacy by increasing the number of licensed pharmacists on the board from five to six and adding specific appointment requirements. It requires two pharmacist members from independent retail pharmacies, two from large retail pharmacy chains (with five or more locations), and two from hospital/acute care settings, plus one pharmacy technician position that rotates between settings. The bill also establishes term limits: pharmacy technicians serve one six-year term, while other members may serve up to two consecutive terms. This directly affects the board's membership structure and the appointment process for pharmacists and pharmacy technicians in Pennsylvania.
