This bill allocates state funding from the General Fund to various executive agencies in Pennsylvania for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026. It specifically authorizes money to cover employee salaries, contracted services, supplies, and other operational expenses, while also paying off bills left unpaid at the end of the previous fiscal year. The legislation includes a specific appropriation of $9 million to the Department of Agriculture for agricultural preparedness and response efforts. Additionally, the bill establishes that any unspent funds from these allocations will automatically expire on June 30, 2027.
This bill authorizes funding from Pennsylvania's General Fund to support various state agencies for the fiscal year running from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. It specifically allocates money for salaries, wages, travel, contracts, and other operational expenses needed to run the executive branch, including a designated $23,063,000 for domestic violence programs within the Department of Human Services. The legislation also provides for the payment of outstanding bills from the previous fiscal year and includes standard provisions stating that any unspent funds will automatically expire at the end of the budget period.
This Senate resolution establishes temporary rules for the Pennsylvania Senate to manage how budget amendments are handled during the 2026 legislative session. It restricts floor amendments to the state's budget bills to only the second and third readings, ensuring that any proposed spending changes do not increase the total budget unless they are fully offset by reductions elsewhere to maintain a balanced budget. Additionally, the rule requires that multi-bill amendments include a specific statement explaining how they achieve financial balance. These guidelines will remain in effect until the General Appropriation Act for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026, is officially passed.
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.
HB 1425 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to update taxes on tobacco products and establish a new online directory for electronic nicotine delivery systems (e.g., e-cigarettes). It directly affects tobacco manufacturers, dealers, and e-liquid producers by changing tax rates and requiring manufacturers to submit product information to the new directory. The bill's key provisions include adjusting tax incidence and rates for traditional tobacco products while creating a mandatory, publicly accessible registry for e-liquid products. These changes aim to modernize tax collection and improve product transparency for regulatory oversight.
SB 975 requires boroughs and cities in Pennsylvania to complete, publish, and file annual financial reports by June 30 each year. It mandates that auditors publish concise financial summaries (showing assets, liabilities, revenue, and expenses) in a local newspaper at least 10 days before the annual meeting, and submit full reports to the Department of Community and Economic Development. Municipal officials who fail to meet these deadlines face fines of $5 per day, with fines going to the state. The bill tightens existing reporting rules for local government financial transparency without changing tax policies or service provisions.
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's oil and gas fee structure to redirect 40% of remaining revenue from unconventional gas well fees (after 2011) into the Marcellus Legacy Fund. Specifically, 25% of this portion will fund county bridge repairs through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account. Counties and municipalities can use these funds to repair deteriorated bridges, regardless of federal aid eligibility, by submitting approved repair plans. The funds are distributed proportionally based on county population, and first- or second-class counties may also use them for public transportation authority bridges. This changes how oil and gas fee revenue is allocated to support local infrastructure.
HB 1359 amends Pennsylvania's entertainment tax incentive program by updating its definitions, procedures, and limitations, directly affecting entertainment businesses seeking tax benefits. It also adds new regulatory requirements for self-service storage facilities, including operational standards. The bill clarifies how the entertainment program operates while creating a new framework for overseeing storage facility safety and business practices. These changes became law on November 24, 2025, after approval by the governor. The legislation focuses on administrative updates and new oversight without altering tax rates or funding levels.
HB 923 amends the State Lottery Law to redirect lottery revenue toward providing pharmaceutical assistance for elderly residents. It directly affects seniors who qualify for prescription drug aid under state programs by modifying eligibility determination procedures. The key provision updates how income and asset thresholds are calculated to determine who qualifies for this assistance. The bill became law on November 24, 2025, after approval by both legislative chambers and the governor.
SB 1020 modifies Pennsylvania's hunting and trapping license fee structure to expand resident license exemptions. It directly affects Pennsylvania residents who hunt or trap, particularly those who may qualify for reduced or waived fees under updated criteria. The bill changes specific provisions in Title 34 of the state statutes to clarify eligibility for these exemptions, making it easier for qualifying residents to obtain licenses without paying standard fees. The bill passed final passage on November 18, 2025, and was referred to the Game & Fisheries committee for further consideration.
