This bill modifies how Pennsylvania distributes fees collected from unconventional gas wells, specifically directing 25% of those funds to a state account for bridge improvements. The legislation allows counties and municipalities to use these monies to repair or upgrade bridges regardless of whether they qualify for federal funding assistance. Additionally, it permits larger counties to allocate these funds toward improving bridges owned by public transportation authorities. The changes take effect 60 days after the bill becomes law.
HB 2234 creates a tax credit for Pennsylvania breweries that donate spent grain byproduct (leftover grain from brewing) to local farms. Breweries can claim a credit of $0.16 per pound of dry weight donated, up to $30,000 annually or their total tax liability, if the grain is delivered to farms within 100 miles. The credit applies to donations made to "eligible agricultural operations" engaged in normal farming activities under Pennsylvania law. Applications must be submitted by February 1 each year for the prior year's donations, with the Department of Revenue reviewing eligibility and coordinating with the Liquor Control Board. This directly benefits breweries and farms participating in the program by reducing brewery tax bills while repurposing brewing waste.
This bill creates a new funding mechanism for Pennsylvania school districts and charter schools to cover extraordinary special education expenses for students with disabilities. It allocates one percent of the state special education appropriation annually from 2016-2017 through 2025-2026, then increases this to two percent starting in 2026-2027, with specific rules for how funds are distributed based on student enrollment duration and expense levels. The legislation covers costs for specialized services including transportation, therapy, and mobility training, while establishing caps and prioritization rules to ensure equitable distribution across districts.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to clarify and strengthen tax exemptions for charitable, religious, volunteer fire, and nonprofit educational organizations. It requires these groups to use tax-exempt purchases only for their qualified purposes, excluding unrelated business activities and major construction projects from the exemption. The legislation also establishes a process for the Department of Revenue to issue conditional tax-exempt status to new organizations and allows for the revocation of exemptions if an organization no longer meets public charity requirements.
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.
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to modernize how the state handles tax liens by introducing an electronic filing system and a centralized online repository. It directly affects the Department of Revenue, taxpayers, and creditors by requiring the department to post tax liabilities to a public website within seven days of a final assessment. The new system allows the department to maintain a searchable database of liens without needing to refile or revive them, while still requiring physical recording with county officials only when the state seeks to execute against specific property. Additionally, the legislation clarifies the priority of tax liens during judicial sales and establishes procedures for enforcing liens against out-of-state property.
HB 2193 creates a $100 tax credit per deer processed for Pennsylvania deer processors who donate all consumable venison from a single deer to an approved food charity (like those meeting requirements under the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act). Processors must retain Pennsylvania Game Commission ear tags as proof and submit applications by September 15 for the prior year. The credit is limited to $5,000 per taxpayer annually and $200,000 total statewide each year, with unused credits potentially carried over for up to 15 years. This directly affects deer processors who donate meat to qualifying charities, providing a financial incentive for their donation services.
This bill allocates state funding to support the operation of Pennsylvania's professional licensure boards and the State Athletic Commission for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It provides $68.4 million from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account to the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, along with separate restricted funds totaling approximately $13.5 million for the State Boards of Medicine, Osteopathic Medicine, Podiatry, and the State Athletic Commission. The legislation ensures these organizations have the necessary resources to carry out their licensing and regulatory functions without treating these funds as general government appropriations.
This bill allocates $7,805,000 from a restricted revenue account in Pennsylvania's General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate within the Office of Attorney General. The funding is designated to support the office's operations for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. The appropriation takes effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever occurs later. This measure provides financial resources to enable the office to continue its consumer protection activities without changing its existing functions or responsibilities.
This bill allocates $81.3 million from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry to cover operating expenses for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The funds will support salaries, wages, travel, and contractual services needed to administer the Workers' Compensation Act and the Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act. An additional $550,000 is designated for the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development to fund its operations during the same period. The legislation also authorizes payment of any outstanding bills from the previous fiscal year that remain unpaid as of June 30, 2026.
