Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 12, 2026

HB 1505: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in preliminary provisions, providing for standardized testing study; in grounds and buildings, repealing provisions relating to lead testing and providing for lead testing; providing for school facilities; in certification of teachers, further providing for special education certificate grade spans and age levels and duties of department, for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education, for continuing professional education for school or system leaders and for Pennsylvania school leadership standards, repealing provisions relating to permit for classroom monitors and providing for permit for classroom monitors; in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools, providing for school district enrollee wellness checks and further providing for procedure when child is truant and for procedure upon filing of citation; in student supports, further providing for policy relating to bullying; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Grant Program, for school safety and security coordinator and for school safety and security training, providing for school safety and mental health grants for 2026-2027 school year, further providing for school safety and security coordinator training and for reporting and memorandum of understanding and providing for school mapping services; in school health services, further providing for health services and for reports and providing for eating disorder awareness and education; in terms and courses of study, providing for use of funds for implementing later school start times, further providing for flexible instructional days and for physical education, providing for recess periods, further providing for economic education and personal financial literacy programs and providing for social media literacy education; in early learning programs, further providing for definitions and for duties of approved providers; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts; in charter schools, further providing for enrollment, for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions, for enrollment and notification and for enrollee wellness checks; in disability inclusive curriculum, further providing for pilot program; in career and technical education, providing for temporary waiver; in community colleges, further providing for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology, further providing for individuals eligible for admission; in the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for Grow Pennsylvania Tuition Waiver Program; in institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for agency duties, providing for institution duties and further providing for report; in Ready-to-Succeed Scholarship, further providing for agency; in funding for public libraries, providing for State aid for fiscal year 2026-2027; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding beginning with 2023-2024 school year and for extraordinary special education program expenses, providing for temporary assistance program and further providing for assistance to school districts declared to be in financial recovery status or identified for financial watch status and for Ready-to-Learn Block Grant; and, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for applicability.

HB 1505 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code of 1949 to clarify definitions related to early learning programs. The bill specifically updates terminology used in the existing law to better define what constitutes early learning programs within the state's educational framework. This change directly affects school districts, early learning providers, and state education agencies by providing clearer standards for program classification and reporting under the Public School Code. The bill focuses solely on refining definitions, not creating new programs or funding mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state aid for fiscal year 2026-2027 and establishes student-weighted basic education funding, directly increasing public education resources.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates social media literacy education and expands cyber charter school provisions, indicating support for digital skills and technology access in schools.65% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 12, 2026

SB 146: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in emergency COVID-19 response, providing for extension of use of certain funds; in Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, further providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in cigarette sales and licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for allowable mode of operations for licensed cigarette stamping agents; in joint underwriting association, further providing for fund transfers; providing for food processing residuals; in financially distressed municipalities, further providing for financial recovery; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for deep wells and Utica Shale permits and for well plugging; providing for manufacturing and investment tax credit, for Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit and for design build best value; in human services, further providing for medical assistance payments for institutional care, for resident care and related costs and for LIFE Program and providing for transition to chip-enabled access cards, for Medical Assistance Reentry Program, for Children's Trust Fund and for medical assistance pharmacy services; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional zone for shipbuilding and for additional zones; providing for residential revitalization keystone opportunity zones and for violent incident clearance and technological investigative methods; in special funds, further providing for funding and for Pennsylvania Convention Center; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, providing for Veterans' Trust Fund Board and further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for deposits and providing for Professional Licensure Augmentation Account; in general budget implementation, further providing for Executive Offices, for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Corrections, for Department of Labor and Industry and for Department of Transportation, providing for Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land, for Multimodal Transportation Fund, for School Safety and Security Fund, for State Gaming Fund, for State Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account and for Public School Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account; in retirement, providing for 2026 special ad hoc municipal police and firefighter postretirement adjustment, for supplemental annuities for public school employees commencing 2026, for supplemental annuities for State employees commencing 2026 and for payment of supplemental annuity and special ad hoc postretirement adjustment; in electricity load forecast accountability, providing for energy and water reporting and for advanced transmission technologies; in 2025-2026 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Human Services and for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for 2026-2027 budget implementation and for 2026-2027 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; in fiscal supplements to statutory programs, providing for amusement tax clarification, for situs for local sales tax for cities of the first class, for situs for local sales tax for counties of the second class, for net income and for housing; abrogating a regulation; making repeals; providing for suspension of pension actuarial notes; and making editorial changes.

SB 146 establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board to manage and oversee the State Veterans' Trust Fund under Pennsylvania law. The bill directly affects veterans' programs by creating a dedicated board to administer funds supporting veteran services, such as housing, healthcare, and employment initiatives. Key provisions include defining the board's structure, responsibilities, and governance for the Trust Fund, updating existing statutes to reflect these changes. The bill does not create new benefits but organizes the management of existing funding streams for veterans' support. (Note: As of the latest action, the bill was "Reported as amended" in committee and has not yet become law.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board and allocates funds for various state programs, directly advancing fiscal management and funding essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes a Veterans' Trust Fund Board to oversee funds for veteran healthcare and other services, directly supporting health access.75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes Veterans' Trust Fund Board to manage funds for veteran services including healthcare and employment, directly advancing veteran programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

passed both · Pennsylvania · House Jul 1, 2026

HB 1667: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax; in corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions, for determination of net loss deduction, for imposition of tax, for reports and payment of tax, for timely mailing treated as timely filing and payment and for additional withholding requirements, repealing provisions relating to consolidated reports, further providing for extension of time to file reports, for changes made by Federal Government, for limitations on assessments, for definitions, for manufacturing innovation and reinvestment deduction, for enforcement, rules and regulations and inquisitorial powers of the department, for retention of records and for penalties; in gross receipts tax, further providing for imposition of tax and providing for definitions; in tax credit and tax benefit administration, providing for application of tax credits or tax benefits to a unitary business; providing for educational tax credits and for education options tax credits; in manufacturing and investment tax credit, further providing for business firms and for tax credit certificates; providing for return on equity and for service and facilities; repealing provisions relating to Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program; providing for additional property tax rebate; in general provisions, providing for data centers; and, in general provisions, further providing for estimated tax, for underpayment of estimated tax and for restatement of tax liability under treaties and providing for data centers.

HB 1667 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to update tax credit provisions for manufacturing and investment activities. It specifically revises definitions, eligibility rules for business firms, and the process for using tax credit certificates. This bill directly affects businesses in manufacturing and investment sectors seeking these tax incentives. The changes focus on clarifying and adjusting how these credits are calculated and applied under existing law.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAmends tax credit provisions to clarify and adjust incentives for manufacturing/investment businesses, providing tax relief under the Tax Reform Code.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 18, 2026

HB 2084: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for comparison tool; providing for Pennsylvania Promise Program; and establishing the Pennsylvania Promise Program Fund.

HB 2084 establishes the Pennsylvania Promise Program, providing scholarships for tuition, fees, and room and board to eligible Pennsylvania residents attending college. It directly affects two groups: students under 24 (or active military) who must be Pennsylvania residents, have a high school diploma, and complete the FAFSA; and adult learners 24 or older seeking reeducation with similar requirements. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency administers the program and a dedicated fund, covering tuition up to the state's maximum in-state rate and room and board based on agency standards. The program applies to community colleges, state-owned institutions, state-related universities, and Thaddeus Stevens College.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes dedicated fund for tuition scholarships, increasing state budget allocation for public education programs.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationCreates state-funded college scholarships for tuition/fees/room/board, expanding access to higher education for PA residents meeting income/FAFSA criteria.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 1113: An Act establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

HB 1113 proposes creating a new state office dedicated to supporting immigrants and newcomers in Pennsylvania, along with a dedicated funding account to support its work. The bill also establishes an advisory committee to guide the office's efforts, specifying its membership and responsibilities. This office would directly assist new residents, including immigrants, by providing resources and coordination. Key provisions include defining the office's duties, managing the restricted funding account, and outlining the committee's role in advising state officials. The bill aims to create a centralized state resource for newcomers but remains in early committee stages with no voting action taken.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated Restricted Account for new immigrant services office, allocating state budget funds to support program operations.95% confidence ✓ ImmigrationSupports ImmigrationCreates dedicated office and funding for immigrant services, explicitly assisting 'new residents, including immigrants' with resources and coordination.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 1, 2026

HB 200: An Act establishing family and medical leave benefits, the Paid Family and Medical Leave Account and the Paid Family and Medical Leave Grant Program; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.

This bill would create a state-funded paid family and medical leave program for eligible workers needing time off for health issues, childbirth, or family care. It establishes a dedicated state fund to cover leave costs, creates an advisory board to guide implementation, and assigns oversight to the Department of Labor. The program would directly affect employees in the state who qualify for these leave types, requiring employers to provide the benefits. The bill also specifies penalties for businesses failing to comply with the new requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates state-funded program requiring dedicated budget appropriations for paid family leave, advancing government spending on essential worker benefits.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates state-funded paid leave for health issues, improving access to healthcare services without income loss for employees.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentCreates state-funded paid family/medical leave program expanding worker benefits, requiring employer provision of leave for health/childbirth/family care, directly strengthening employment protections.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 31, 2026

HB 1834: An Act providing for the regulation of commercial data centers; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority; establishing the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; providing for clean firm energy requirements, contract filing, commission review, disclosure requirements, backup generation standards, curtailment standards and certification and expedited interconnection for commercial data centers bringing incremental clean firm energy resources; and imposing penalties.

HB 1834 requires commercial data centers in Pennsylvania to pay fees to the state. These fees fund a new Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund, which boosts assistance for low-income households struggling with energy costs. The bill also mandates that data centers meet specific renewable energy targets and allows them to recover certain operational costs through regulated rates. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) and Department of Human Services are tasked with implementing these requirements and managing the fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes fees on data centers to fund LIHEAP enhancements, increasing state revenue allocation for low-income energy assistance programs.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyMandates renewable energy targets for data centers and funds LIHEAP for low-income energy assistance, directly advancing renewable energy adoption and consumer support.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 30, 2026

HB 1260: An Act providing for solar-ready projects involving a warehouse or distribution center; authorizing tax exemptions and special tax provisions; imposing duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposing penalties.

HB 1260 would allow businesses owning warehouses or distribution centers to install solar energy systems by providing tax exemptions for "solar-ready" projects. It directly affects commercial property owners in the state by reducing their tax burden for qualifying solar installations. Key provisions include authorizing special tax breaks, requiring the Department of Environmental Protection to establish guidelines for these projects, and imposing fines for non-compliance with solar-ready construction standards. The bill aims to incentivize renewable energy adoption in large commercial facilities through concrete tax policy changes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax exemptions for commercial solar projects, reducing tax burden on qualifying businesses per bill's tax exemption provisions.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProvides tax exemptions for commercial solar installations, directly promoting renewable energy adoption through financial incentives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes solar energy adoption via tax exemptions for commercial properties, directly advancing clean energy infrastructure and reducing carbon footprint through financial incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Feb 13, 2026

HB 1556: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in Pennsylvania Economic Development for a Growing Economy (PA EDGE) tax credits, providing for an advanced clean manufacturing project and further providing for definitions.

HB 1556 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to add new tax credits under the PA EDGE program specifically for "advanced clean manufacturing projects." This bill directly affects businesses constructing or expanding facilities that produce clean energy technology, such as solar panels or battery components. The key change expands the existing PA EDGE tax credit program to include these advanced clean manufacturing projects, providing financial incentives for qualifying investments. The bill does not alter other existing PA EDGE provisions or create new tax credit categories beyond this specific addition.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAdds tax credits for clean manufacturing under PA EDGE, providing fiscal incentives to businesses through expanded tax credits in the Tax Reform Code.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyAdds tax credits for clean energy manufacturing projects, directly incentivizing renewable infrastructure investment per bill summary.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentAdds tax credits for advanced clean manufacturing projects (e.g., solar/battery production), directly promoting clean energy adoption and reducing emissions per bill's focus on clean technology incentives.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Budget & Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 4, 2026

HB 2169: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, making editorial changes to delete references to "approved private school" for the purpose of adding references to "approved special education school."

HB 2169 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to update terminology in funding provisions for special education schools. It replaces references to "approved private school" with "approved special education school" in Section 1923(5), which governs how funds from the Public School Code (Section 2509.8) are allocated. The bill directly affects approved special education schools with day tuition under $32,000, requiring funding to be no less than 175% of the 2015-2016 allocation. This is a technical correction to align statutory language with current educational terminology, with no change to the underlying funding mechanism or eligibility criteria.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill mandates 175% funding for special education schools, strengthening program support within Fiscal Code appropriations.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates minimum 175% funding for approved special education schools, updating terminology to ensure continued support and addressing allocation requirements.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

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