Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 416: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in 911 Emergency Communication Services, further providing for surcharge; in Department of Revenue, further providing for exclusion from classes of income and providing for research and experimental expenditures and qualified production property, for report to General Assembly and for interest expense; in joint underwriting association, further providing for findings and for definitions, repealing provisions relating to sunset and providing for risk-based capital certification, for fund transfers, for association oversight and additional duties, for Joint Underwriting Association Board, for board meetings, for construction, for dissolution, for appropriations and for reports and hearings; in State Health Insurance Exchange Affordability Program, further providing for Exchange Affordability Assistance Account; providing for Rural Health Transformation Program; in Treasury Department, providing for waiver of interest, costs and fees; in procedure for disbursement of money from the State Treasury, further providing for use and appropriation of unused Commonwealth funds; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund; providing for advanced air mobility sites and for public transportation vehicles; in human services, further providing for resident care and related costs; in Attorney General, providing for home improvement contractor registration fee; providing for Rare Disease Advisory Council, for affordable housing tax credit and for working Pennsylvanians tax credit; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional keystone opportunity expansion zones for certain counties of the fourth class; providing for additional extensions of keystone opportunity zones; in special funds, further providing for funding, for expiration and for other grants; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund and providing for refund of 2003 assessment by Insurance Department; in additional special funds and restricted accounts relating to Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, further providing for deposits and providing for Property Tax Relief Fund; in general budget implementation, further providing Executive Offices, for Department of Community and Economic Development, for Department of Environmental Protection, for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and for Commonwealth Financing Authority, providing for stenography services, further providing for surcharges, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land and for Multimodal Transportation Fund and providing for State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, for interest transfers, for fund transfers and for miscellaneous provisions; in 2024-2025 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Education, for Department of Environmental Protection and for Department of Human Services; in Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, further providing for scope of article, for definitions and for the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, providing for review and determination of specific permits and for State agency permits and further providing for construction; providing for electricity load forecast accountability, for 2025-2026 budget implementation and for 2025-2026 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

HB 416 establishes a new Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support early childhood educators and creates a Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. It also streamlines permit processes for economic development projects through the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program. These provisions are integrated into the 2025 state budget implementation, alongside administrative updates to tax collection procedures, state fund management, and reporting requirements for agencies like the Department of Revenue and Treasury. The bill does not alter existing tax rates or create new funding streams but modifies how current state financial systems operate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill funds essential programs (Child Care, Rural Health) and provides tax credits (affordable housing, working Pennsylvanians), supporting budget allocation and tax relief.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas, directly advancing healthcare services and access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes 'affordable housing tax credit' as a direct funding mechanism for affordable housing programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly mentions 'public transportation vehicles' and 'advanced air mobility sites' in title, directly supporting transportation infrastructure expansion.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · Senate Nov 12, 2025

SB 315: An act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), entitled "An act relating to the public school system, including certain provisions applicable as well to private and parochial schools; amending, revising, consolidating and changing the laws relating thereto," in preliminary provisions, further providing for Special Education Funding Commission and for minimum number of days or hours; in duties and powers of boards of school directors, providing for admission fees for school-sponsored activities; in intermediate units, further providing for staff; in certification of teachers, further providing for certificates qualifying persons to teach and for instructional certificate grade spans and age levels and duties of department, providing for instructional certificate grade spans and age levels and for State certificate fee reduction, further providing for standard employment application, for career and technical instructional certificate, for program of continuing professional and paraprofessional education and for postbaccalaureate certification, providing for assessment of basic skills, further providing for professional educator discipline fee and providing for career and technical administrative director certification flexibility; in pupils and attendance, further providing for attendance policy at charter, regional charter and cyber charter schools, for procedure when child is truant, for procedure by school when child habitually truant, for procedure upon filing of citation, for penalties for violating compulsory school attendance requirements and for study of truancy procedure, providing for department supports to prevent truancy and further providing for reports to Superintendent of Public Instruction and for exceptional children and education and training; in student supports, further providing for definitions; in school safety and security, further providing for definitions, for School Safety and Security Committee, for school safety and security assessment providers, 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 2025-2026 school year and further providing for reporting and memorandum of understanding; in school security, further providing for training, for school resource officers, for school security guards and for duties of commission; in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions, for Safe2Say Program and for annual report; in threat assessment, further providing for definitions, for threat assessment teams and for threat assessment guidelines, training and information materials; in Drug and Alcohol Recovery High School Program, further providing for scope of program and selection of students and for enrollment of students; in evidence-based reading instruction, further providing for definitions and providing for school entity duties related to evidence-based reading instruction, for school entity duties related to reading screening, for reading deficiency identification and parental notification, for reading intervention plans, for grant program, for funding, for reporting, for accountability and for construction; in high schools, further providing for attendance in other districts and providing for Free Application for Federal Student Aid; in interscholastic athletics accountability, further providing for council recommendations and standards; in charter schools, further providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for enrollment and notification and for enrollee wellness checks; in career and technical education, further providing for capital reserve fund for approved purchases of equipment and facility maintenance, for career and technical education equipment grants, for Cosmetology Training through Career and Technical Center Pilot Program and for Barber Training through Career and Technical Center Pilot Program; providing for Nursing Shortage Assistance Program; in community colleges, further providing for financial program and reimbursement of payments; in the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; in educational tax credits, further providing for limitations; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for exit counseling; in miscellaneous provisions relating to institutions of higher education, repealing provisions relating to State-related university performance-based funding model, further providing for prohibition on scholarship displacement at public institutions of higher education and providing for cooperation and for State scholarship renewals; in institutions of higher education, further providing for powers and duties of State Board of Higher Education, for definitions, for Performance-based Funding Council and for public institution of higher education reporting, providing for State-related University Performance Fund, for performance-based funding formula and for public accountability and further providing for agency duties, for grant priority and for report; in Ready-to-Succeed Scholarship, further providing for agency; in funding for public libraries, providing for State aid for fiscal year 2025-2026; in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding beginning with 2023-2024 school year, for extraordinary special education program expenses, 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; in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, further providing for applicability; abrogating regulations; and making an editorial change.

SB 315 amends Pennsylvania's 1949 education code to update school funding, safety, and instructional requirements. It establishes new school safety grants, updates teacher certification standards, and strengthens truancy prevention measures for all public and charter schools. The bill adds funding for career and technical education equipment, expands mental health support through school safety programs, and modifies higher education scholarship rules. As Act No. 47 of 2025, it became law on November 12, 2025, affecting students, teachers, school districts, and higher education institutions statewide.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state funds for school safety grants, career education equipment, higher education scholarships, and library aid, increasing public education spending without tax changes.90% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationAdds school safety grants, updates teacher certification, funds career tech equipment, expands mental health support, and modifies higher education scholarships to strengthen education.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 640: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in powers and duties of the Department of Public Welfare and its departmental administrative and advisory boards and commissions, providing for managed care organization assessment, for intermediate care facilities for persons with an intellectual disability assessments, for hospital assessments, for Statewide quality care assessments and for nursing facility assessment; in powers and duties of the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs, further providing for powers and duties; in judicial administration, further providing for surcharge and fee; and making repeals .

HB 640 creates new assessment fees for specific healthcare providers, including managed care organizations, intermediate care facilities for people with intellectual disabilities, hospitals, and nursing facilities. These fees fund state oversight programs under the Department of Public Welfare and the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The law amends the 1929 Administrative Code to establish these funding mechanisms and adjust related administrative duties. It directly affects healthcare providers that must pay these assessments and state agencies managing the funds. The bill became law on June 30, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates new assessment fees on healthcare providers to fund state oversight programs under Public Welfare and Drug Programs, directly increasing state revenue for public services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates new assessments on healthcare providers to fund state oversight programs, strengthening regulatory quality and accountability in healthcare services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1339: An Act making appropriations from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.

HB 1339 allocates specific funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. It uses money from a restricted revenue account within the state's General Fund and Federal augmentation funds to cover the PUC's operational costs. This bill, now law as Act No. 8A of 2025, directly affects the PUC's budget and ensures funding for its regulatory activities during the specified fiscal period.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates state General Fund and federal funds to PUC for operational costs, directly supporting budgetary funding for a state regulatory agency's fiscal management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1420: An Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate in the Office of Attorney General.

HB 1420 provides funding from a designated restricted revenue account within the state's General Fund to the Office of Consumer Advocate, which operates under the Office of the Attorney General. This bill directly supports the Office of Consumer Advocate’s existing work representing consumers in disputes with utilities, insurance, and other regulated services. The key provision is a specific financial appropriation to ensure the office has resources to handle consumer complaints and investigations. As a funding measure, it does not create new laws or alter consumer rights but allocates existing state funds to a specific agency. (This is a procedural funding bill, so the summary is concise as required.)

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates existing funds from General Fund to Office of Consumer Advocate, strengthening public service funding for consumer protection services.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1340: An Act making appropriations from the restricted revenue accounts within the State Gaming Fund and from the restricted revenue accounts within the Fantasy Contest Fund and Video Gaming Fund to the Attorney General, the Department of Revenue, the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

HB 1340 allocates funds collected from Pennsylvania's gaming activities (including state lotteries, fantasy contests, and video gaming) to four state agencies for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. Specifically, it directs money from the State Gaming Fund, Fantasy Contest Fund, and Video Gaming Fund to the Attorney General, Department of Revenue, Pennsylvania State Police, and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board. The bill covers both new spending for the upcoming fiscal year and payments for bills incurred but unpaid as of June 30, 2025. This is a routine budget authorization, not a policy change, and it became law on June 27, 2025 (Act No. 9A of 2025).

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates existing gaming revenue to fund state agencies (Attorney General, Revenue, State Police, Gaming Control Board), supporting budget allocation for public services and fiscal management.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1334: An Act making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

HB 1334 allocates funding from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to Pennsylvania's Department of Labor and Industry, Department of Community and Economic Development, and the Office of Small Business Advocate. It covers expenses for administering the Workers' Compensation Act, Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act, and the Small Business Advocate program for fiscal year 2025-2026, including payments for unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year. The bill directly affects state agencies responsible for worker compensation, occupational disease claims, and small business support services. This is a routine appropriations measure to ensure ongoing operations of these programs, not a policy change. The bill was signed into law as Act No. 3A of 2025 on June 27, 2025.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates funds from Workmen's Compensation Fund to administer labor programs, directly supporting state budget execution and fiscal management for essential services.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds administration of Workers' Compensation Act, which covers medical treatment for work-related injuries, supporting healthcare access for injured workers through existing coverage mechanisms.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentFunds administration of Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Disease Act, directly supporting worker injury protections and program operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1333: An Act making appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted revenue accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in support of the professional licensure boards assigned thereto.

HB 1333 allocates funds from specific state accounts (the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and restricted General Fund revenue) to the Department of State's Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs. This funding supports the professional licensure boards responsible for regulating occupations like nursing, engineering, and real estate. The bill provides the necessary budget resources for these boards to operate, including processing applications and enforcing licensing standards. As a funding measure, it directly affects the administrative operations of these boards but does not create new licensing requirements or change eligibility for professionals.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates existing funds from state accounts to support essential professional licensure boards, advancing fiscal management of state appropriations for regulatory operations.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 27, 2025

HB 1335: An Act making an appropriation from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate in the Department of Community and Economic Development.

HB 1335 provides $500,000 in funding from a restricted revenue account within the state’s General Fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate. This appropriation directly supports the office’s work assisting small businesses with navigating state regulations and accessing resources. The bill, now law as Act No. 4A of 2025, creates no new policies but allocates specific funds for the office’s existing operations.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $500k from restricted General Fund to Office of Small Business Advocate, funding existing operations per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 25, 2025

SB 205: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance, further providing for supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance; and, in taxes for highway maintenance and construction, further providing for imposition of tax.

SB 205 creates two new funding streams for Pennsylvania highway maintenance: a $5 million annual appropriation from the Motor License Fund to counties starting in 2025, and a 55-mill tax on liquid fuels. Counties can use these funds specifically for constructing and maintaining bridges owned by municipalities within their counties. The bill directly affects local governments by providing dedicated resources for bridge infrastructure, a key need for many communities. It amends Pennsylvania’s vehicle code to redirect existing transportation revenue toward this purpose without changing overall tax rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new tax (55-mill fuel tax) and $5M annual appropriation from Motor License Fund specifically for municipal bridge maintenance, directly funding infrastructure through fiscal mechanisms.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationCreates $5M annual fund and 55-mill fuel tax specifically for municipal bridge/highway maintenance, directly funding transportation infrastructure per bill summary.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Budget & Taxes

Track