Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HR 485: A Resolution designating the month of September 2026 as "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Month" in Pennsylvania.

This Pennsylvania House resolution designates September 2026 as "Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Month" to raise awareness about child hunger and food waste in the state. The document highlights statistics on food insecurity among students and discusses strategies like "share tables" to help reduce waste while providing extra meals. It serves as a symbolic gesture to focus attention on these issues rather than implementing new laws or funding changes.

Bob Merski (D) · 17 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2432: An Act amending the act of December 19, 1988 (P.L.1262, No.156), known as the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act, in games of chance, further providing for prize limits, providing for raffle prize limits and further providing for licensing of eligible organizations and for special permits; and, in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

HB 2432 amends Pennsylvania's Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to increase prize limits for eligible organizations, such as charities and clubs, that run games of chance. The bill raises the maximum prize for a single chance to $3,000 and the seven-day aggregate prize limit to $50,000, while also establishing new monthly and annual caps for raffles. Additionally, it streamlines licensing by reducing the time required to issue a license to 10 days and clarifies the rules for auxiliary groups operating under a main organization's license.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2438: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, providing for school mapping services.

This bill requires school districts in Pennsylvania to follow specific guidelines when hiring vendors to create detailed maps of their campuses for emergency response purposes. The new rules mandate that these maps be accurate, include labeled floor plans and utility locations, and be compatible with existing public safety software without extra costs. Additionally, the data must be stored securely within the United States, and districts must obtain approval from local law enforcement before entering into such contracts.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

Ben Sanchez (D) · 20 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2428: An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for education and training programs and providing for the Residential Construction Workforce Training Grant Program; and establishing the Residential Construction Workforce Training Account.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Construction Code Act to create a funding mechanism for residential construction workforce training. It allows municipalities to charge an optional fee of up to $10 on residential permits, which would be collected and deposited into a new state account. Money from this account would be used to award grants to nonprofits, educational institutions, and local governments for training programs, apprenticeships, and equipment. A key provision requires that these grants be directed to counties where the original permit fees were collected to support local housing needs. The bill also mandates detailed annual reports on how the funds are spent and the outcomes of the training programs.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2434: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in zoning, providing for expedited high density housing approval.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to create a streamlined approval process for high-density housing in designated growth areas. It requires the state Department of Community and Economic Development to establish rules that allow municipalities to fast-track land use decisions for vacant lots in zones where such housing is already permitted by right. The expedited process applies specifically to attached or detached homes, including accessory dwelling units, provided they meet minimum density standards and do not involve environmentally sensitive or hazard-prone areas. To support this initiative, the bill mandates the use of pre-approved building plans, concurrent review procedures, and a technical assistance hub to help local governments reduce delays and meet permitting timelines.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2430: An Act establishing the Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Commonwealth Housing Ombudsman.

This bill creates a new Office of Transformation and Opportunity within the Governor's Office to streamline economic development projects and coordinate resources across state agencies. The office will act as a central hub to speed up permit reviews, manage funding applications, and ensure that projects benefit disadvantaged communities. It also establishes a Commonwealth Housing Ombudsman to resolve disputes and align policies related to residential housing needs. The office will be led by a Chief Officer appointed by the Governor, who will report directly to the Governor and produce annual reports on economic progress.

Topics ✓ Housing

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SR 287: A Resolution noting with sadness the death of the Honorable Katherine "Katie" True, former eight-term member of the House of Representatives from Lancaster County, who died October 7, 2025.

Senate Resolution 287 is a commemorative measure that honors the life and service of Katherine 'Katie' True, a former Pennsylvania state representative from Lancaster County who passed away in October 2025. The resolution formally notes her death and extends condolences to her family while acknowledging her extensive career in public service, which included eight terms in the House and roles as Commissioner of Professional and Occupational Affairs and Secretary of Legislative Affairs. It also recognizes her legislative achievements and advocacy work on issues such as independent living, human trafficking, and domestic abuse before transmitting a copy of the resolution to the True family.

Scott Martin (R) · 18 co-sponsors

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2433: An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Multimodal Fund, further providing for project selection criteria.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's transportation laws to establish specific rules for selecting projects funded by the Multimodal Fund. It requires the Department of Transportation to award grants competitively without reserving a fixed percentage of money for any single applicant before the application process is finished. Additionally, the legislation mandates that the department give priority to projects using recycled materials, such as reclaimed asphalt pavement and recycled asphalt shingles. These changes aim to ensure fair competition while encouraging the use of sustainable building materials in state-funded infrastructure projects.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 21, 2026

HB 2435: An Act imposing dementia care training requirements for certain emergency medical services providers; and providing for powers and duties of the Department of Health.

This bill requires emergency medical services providers in Pennsylvania, including paramedics and nurses, to complete specific training on caring for individuals with dementia. The Department of Health must create a program covering how to communicate effectively with these patients, manage behavioral symptoms, and identify signs of abuse. New providers will need three hours of initial training, while all providers must complete one hour of continuing education annually. Those who already finished similar training within the last 18 months will be exempt from the initial requirement but must still take the annual course.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

Maureen Madden (D) · 32 co-sponsors

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SR 211: A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the effectiveness and performance of the Municipalities Planning Code and its preparation for review and enforcement under the Department of Community and Economic Development.

This Senate Resolution (SR 211) directs Pennsylvania's Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study the effectiveness of the Municipalities Planning Code - the state's primary zoning law - and its enforcement by the Department of Community and Economic Development. The study must examine impacts on housing affordability, municipal costs (including staffing and fees), and compare Pennsylvania's practices to those of other states. The committee must issue a report with findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within 180 days. This resolution does not change laws but seeks data to inform future legislative action.

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 21, 2026

SB 998: An Act providing for the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

SB 998 would create a grant program to fund expansions of nursing education programs at colleges and universities. It requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to administer grants for institutions aiming to increase nursing program capacity, directly affecting nursing schools and future nursing students. Key provisions include establishing grant criteria, application processes, and reporting requirements for funded programs. The bill is currently pending in the Appropriations committee after committee review.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 20, 2026

SR 285: A Resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of the Curtis Institute of Music.

This Senate Resolution honors the Curtis Institute of Music on its 100th anniversary. It recognizes the school's century-long impact on Philadelphia and the global music community, highlighting its history of providing free, high-quality education to talented students since 1928. The resolution formally acknowledges the institute's contributions to the arts and celebrates its legacy of producing world-renowned musicians.

Bill results