HB 1758 removes existing rules that prevented employers from disciplining or terminating volunteer firefighters, ambulance staff, or rescue squad members who missed work for emergency calls. It replaces these provisions with a new tax credit program for employers who hire volunteer emergency responders (including firefighters, ambulance personnel, and rescue squad members). The tax credit, available to both private businesses and government entities, helps offset costs associated with employing these volunteers. This bill directly affects volunteer emergency responders and their employers across Pennsylvania by shifting from disciplinary protections to a financial incentive.
HB 818 creates a program allowing first-time homebuyers in the Commonwealth to open state-backed savings accounts for down payments and closing costs. It establishes a dedicated First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Fund and requires the Treasury Department to manage the program and allocate funds. The bill directly affects eligible first-time homebuyers by providing a new savings mechanism for housing costs. Key provisions include the fund's creation, Treasury's administrative duties, and the structure for account access.
HB 1060 increases annual maintenance payments for municipalities that received highway transfers under Pennsylvania's State Highway Law. It raises the base payment from $4,000 to $12,500 per mile for these transferred highways. Starting February 1, 2028, payments will automatically adjust every two years based on the Consumer Price Index (inflation rate), with the department calculating and publishing these adjustments. The bill directly affects municipalities managing highways transferred under Chapter 92 of the State Highway Law.
House Bill 1450 establishes a Homebuyer Rebate Program to provide a financial rebate to eligible individuals purchasing a home in Pennsylvania. The bill creates a dedicated Homebuyer Rebate Program Fund, into which 10% of the state's realty transfer tax collected annually will be deposited, starting July 31, 2026. Beginning January 1, 2026, qualified homebuyers can apply to the Department of Revenue for a $2,500 rebate to help offset their realty transfer tax liability.
HB 1982 standardizes a fee for 911 emergency services across all Pennsylvania counties, replacing inconsistent local charges with a uniform rate collected on phone bills. It establishes a specific end date for the current 911 funding system and repeals outdated provisions in the law. This change directly affects county emergency services providers and phone users who pay the fee. The bill aims to create consistency in how 911 services are funded statewide.
SB 1079 would establish a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" (competitive games where skill determines outcomes, distinct from gambling). It requires businesses offering such games to obtain licenses from the Department of Revenue, pay associated fees, and comply with zoning rules restricting where they can operate. The bill also imposes civil penalties for violations and criminal penalties for willful non-compliance. This directly affects gaming businesses seeking to operate legally within the state.
SB 692 amends Pennsylvania's medical assistance program to set limits on how payment rates can change for nursing facilities. It requires that nonpublic nursing facility payments stay at or above 90% of prior rates starting July 1, 2025, while county facility payments must maintain 100% plus any percentage change applied to nonpublic rates. These payment rate limits will remain in effect until June 30, 2026, or until a new rate-setting system replaces the current one. The bill directly affects county and nonpublic nursing facilities enrolled in Pennsylvania's medical assistance program.
HB 500 repeals existing tax credit provisions for local resource manufacturing (petrochemicals/fertilizers) and Pennsylvania milk processing, while creating new tax credits for clean energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. It establishes tax credits for reliable energy investments, regional clean hydrogen hubs, semiconductor manufacturing, biomedical research, geothermal energy, and sustainable aviation fuel. Eligible businesses must meet specific criteria for capital investment, job creation, and project location to apply for these credits through the Department of Revenue. The bill also updates definitions and application processes for these new credits, with annual funding limits and rules for credit usage.
HB 1560 establishes a new Municipal Grant Assistance Program to provide financial support to local governments for community development projects. It creates a dedicated fund managed by the Department of Community and Economic Development, which will administer grant distributions to eligible municipalities. The bill assigns specific responsibilities to the department for overseeing the fund and ensuring grants are allocated according to program guidelines.
HB 1865 increases Pennsylvania's tax rate on insurance premiums from 2.8% to 8% for insurance companies operating within the state. The change applies to calendar years beginning in 2026, directly affecting all insurance companies collecting premiums in Pennsylvania. The bill amends Section 902(a) of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 to implement this rate increase without additional provisions. This policy change raises the tax obligation for insurers but does not alter the scope of businesses subject to the tax.
