Pennsylvania Bills

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 8, 2026

SR 263: A Resolution recognizing the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates the week of April 19 through 25, 2026, as "National Crime Victims' Rights Week" in Pennsylvania. The measure directly affects the state Senate by formally recognizing this observance period to honor crime victims and survivors. It includes a statement reaffirming the Senate's commitment to protecting victims' rights and supporting victim services throughout the year. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic acknowledgment of the importance of victim support.

Topics ✓ Criminal Justice

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 2366: An Act designating a portion of Pennsylvania Route 18 from the intersection with 37th Street to the intersection with Wallace Run Road in Beaver Falls, Beaver County, as the Sgt. Allan R. Bevington Memorial Highway.

This bill designates a specific section of Pennsylvania Route 18 in Beaver Falls as the Sgt. Allan R. Bevington Memorial Highway. The designation honors Sergeant Allan R. Bevington, a local veteran who served in the Army and died while disarming an explosive device in Iraq in 2006. The Department of Transportation is required to install and maintain signs displaying the new name for traffic traveling in both directions on that road segment.

Topics ✓ Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 8, 2026

HB 562: An Act amending the act of June 13, 1883 (P.L.118, No.105), entitled "An act ceding concurrent jurisdiction of this State over certain lands owned or hereafter acquired by the United States," providing for concurrent jurisdiction in juvenile cases.

HB 562 amends Pennsylvania's 1883 law governing federal lands to explicitly include juvenile cases under the state's retained "concurrent jurisdiction." This means Pennsylvania courts will maintain authority over juvenile matters occurring on federal lands (like post offices) that were previously ceded to the U.S. government. The bill updates the 1883 statute to clarify that the state retains this specific jurisdiction, ensuring juvenile cases are handled under Pennsylvania law rather than solely federal authority. As a procedural amendment to existing law, it does not create new policy but formalizes current practice.

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2348: An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for definitions, for interconnection standards for customer-generator facilities and for interagency responsibilities.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act to update definitions and clarify rules for customer-owned renewable energy systems. It specifically expands the definition of "customer-generator" to include larger systems up to 3,000 kilowatts and establishes new requirements for large systems between 50 and 3,000 kilowatts, such as needing independent electric load and limiting system size to 200% of annual consumption. The legislation also adds precise definitions for terms like "avoided cost," "brownfield," and "commercial rooftop" to improve clarity within the existing energy framework. These changes directly affect electric utilities, renewable energy installers, and customers who generate their own power by standardizing how these systems connect to the grid and are compensated.

Topics ✓ Energy

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 7, 2026

HB 2362: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic and providing for drivers in organized motorcycle processions; and, in rules of the road in general, further providing for following too closely.

This bill updates Pennsylvania vehicle laws to clarify rules for organized motorcycle processions and funerals. It allows drivers in these groups to ignore red lights and stop signs if the lead vehicle proceeds legally, provided they use emergency flashers and headlamps. The legislation also defines specific requirements for organized motorcycle processions, such as having at least 10 participants, being sponsored by a nonprofit, and wearing reflective vests. Additionally, it ensures that vehicles in caravans or motorcades outside urban areas must maintain safe distances to allow other cars to merge safely.

Topics ✓ Transportation

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SR 261: A Resolution recognizing April 19, 2026, as "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania.

This Senate resolution designates April 19, 2026, as "Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Awareness Day" in Pennsylvania to highlight a rare birth defect where abdominal organs move into the chest cavity. The measure aims to increase public understanding of the condition, which affects approximately 1,600 babies annually in the United States and often requires extensive medical care. By establishing this specific date, the resolution seeks to foster support for affected families and encourage medical research without altering any laws or government operations.

Topics ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 1256: 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; and, in zoning, providing for accessory dwelling units and for public availability of public utility fees.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to standardize rules for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which are secondary living spaces on single-family lots. It requires municipalities to allow at least one ADU per lot and sets a maximum size of 1,250 square feet or the size of the main home, whichever is smaller. The legislation restricts local governments from imposing certain barriers, such as requiring owner occupancy, mandating specific exterior designs, or charging additional fees for parking and impact. Additionally, the bill defines key terms like "gross floor area" and ensures that having an ADU does not reclassify a property as multifamily housing.

Topics ✓ Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 2358: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for funding for cyber charter schools.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Public School Code to clarify funding rules for cyber charter schools. It mandates that these schools cannot charge tuition to students who live in or outside the state, with one specific exception. Under this exception, a local school district does not have to pay the tuition for its own students if those students attend an outside cyber charter school instead of the district's own online program. To qualify for this exemption, the district's online program must meet specific standards set by the state department, such as offering in-person orientation, verifying residency, tracking attendance, providing technical support, and assigning case managers for special education needs. The changes will become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Technology

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 6, 2026

HB 2360: An Act establishing the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; providing for the prohibition of certain fees relating to municipal separate storm sewer system permit compliance and Chesapeake Bay requirements, for grants to fund compliance costs, for limitation on enforcement and for preemption; and making repeals.

HB 2360 creates the Chesapeake Bay Grant-Only Compliance Program to help Pennsylvania municipalities meet environmental rules for stormwater and the Chesapeake Bay without charging property owners fees. The bill prohibits local governments from levying charges to comply with these requirements and preempts any existing rules that allow such fees, while directing the Department of Environmental Protection to offer grants funded by federal, state, or other sources to cover compliance costs. Additionally, the state cannot enforce these environmental requirements against a local government unless there is enough grant money available to pay for 100% of the compliance expenses.

Topics ✓ Environment

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 2, 2026

HR 466: A Resolution recognizing the month of May 2026 as "Sex Ed for All Month" in Pennsylvania.

This bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes May 2026 as "Sex Ed for All Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not change any laws or require new actions from schools or officials. The resolution highlights the importance of comprehensive, medically accurate sexuality education for young people. It aims to raise awareness about the benefits of such education, including improved health outcomes and reduced risks of unintended pregnancies and infections.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Healthcare

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SR 238: A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on reimbursement rates and workforce issues for shift nursing services provided to individuals under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program.

This Senate Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study reimbursement rates and workforce challenges for shift nursing services provided to individuals under Pennsylvania's Medical Assistance program. The study will examine current payment structures for both children and adults, compare rates with neighboring states, and analyze how costs differ between home care and hospital settings. Committee members will also gather input from healthcare providers, families, and advocacy groups to assess the impact of potential rate changes on nurse availability and missed shifts. The committee is required to submit a final report with its findings and recommendations to the Senate within 12 months of the resolution's adoption.

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 1247: An Act amending the act of July 23, 1970 (P.L.563, No.195), known as the Public Employe Relations Act, in collective bargaining impasse, further providing for interest arbitration.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Public Employee Relations Act to introduce interest arbitration for specific public sector groups facing collective bargaining impasses. It directly affects prison guards, mental hospital staff, court employees, and peace officers by requiring their labor disputes to be resolved by a binding panel of arbitrators after mediation fails. The law mandates that these arbitrators make final decisions on contract terms, except for provisions that would require new legislation to implement. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Bill results