Budget & Taxes

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 14, 2025

SB 626: An Act providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.

SB 626 establishes a regulatory framework for "skill video gaming" systems that award cash prizes based on player skill (not chance). It requires licenses for operators, distributors, and establishments (like bars or retail locations), imposes a tax on gross revenue from these systems, and mandates age restrictions (players must be 18+). The bill also includes criminal penalties for unlicensed operation, rules for terminal placement (prohibiting "miniature casinos"), and zoning requirements to limit where systems can be located. This directly affects businesses seeking to operate such systems, local governments managing zoning, and players aged 18 and older.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesImposes tax on skill video gaming gross revenue, creating new state revenue stream for budget.95% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2025

SB 814: 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.

SB 814 exempts certain emergency preparedness items from Pennsylvania's sales tax during two specific 7-day periods in 2026 (March 2-9 and September 7-14). It directly affects individual consumers purchasing nonbusiness items like portable generators under $3,000, storm protection devices under $300, and emergency supplies (e.g., battery-powered lights, radios, fire extinguishers, or ice chests under $75). The bill defines "emergency preparedness items" precisely and specifies that tax exemption applies only to purchases made during the designated dates, even if delivery occurs later. This policy change provides temporary cost relief for residents preparing for potential emergencies.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts essential emergency items from sales tax during specified periods, providing targeted tax relief for consumers on nonbusiness purchases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Sep 17, 2025

SB 994: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in hotel occupancy tax, further providing for Tourism Promotion Fund.

SB 994 would amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to adjust how hotel occupancy tax revenue is allocated, directing a portion to the Tourism Promotion Fund. This change would directly affect hotels and lodging businesses that collect the tax, as well as the state tourism agency managing promotional activities. The bill specifies that funds must be used for tourism marketing, advertising, and events to promote Pennsylvania as a travel destination. The measure is currently referred to the Finance committee for further review.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRedirects existing hotel occupancy tax revenue to Tourism Promotion Fund, funding state tourism marketing within budget allocation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Aug 4, 2025

HB 1775: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in entertainment production tax credit, further providing for definitions and for limitations, providing for audits, further providing for limitations and providing for formal review by department, for creative professionals tax credit and for miscellaneous provisions.

HB 1775 modifies Pennsylvania's entertainment production tax credit program under the 1971 Tax Reform Code. It updates definitions, adds limitations on credit eligibility, and establishes new audit procedures for businesses claiming the credit. The bill also creates a formal review process for the Department of Revenue to examine credit claims. Additionally, it introduces a separate tax credit for creative professionals working in the entertainment industry. The bill was recently referred to the Finance Committee for further consideration.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a new tax credit for creative professionals and modifies entertainment tax credit program, providing tax incentives to support industry growth through fiscal policy.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Audits & Accountability Tax Credits

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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

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Energy Storage Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 6, 2025

SB 393: An Act authorizing senior citizens to claim an exemption from tax increases as to certain real property; and providing for termination of the exemption.

SB 393, the Senior Citizens' Property Tax Freeze Act, allows Pennsylvania residents aged 65+ who live on their property for at least five years and earn under $65,000 annually to freeze their real property tax increases. To qualify, applicants must submit a notarized form proving eligibility and submit annual income proof. The exemption ends if the property is sold or transferred (except to another eligible senior), and the state will reimburse local governments for lost tax revenue. The law applies starting January 1, 2026, and replaces conflicting existing laws. This directly affects qualifying seniors owning residential property in Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for seniors under $65k income by freezing property tax increases, protecting lower-income seniors from tax hikes while reimbursing local governments.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Revenue

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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

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Renewable Energy Solar

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 18, 2025

HB 959: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in personal income tax, further providing for refund or credit of overpayment and providing for interest on refund or credit of overpayments; in general provisions, providing for interest on taxes due the Commonwealth and for interest on overpayments; and making repeals.

HB 959 amends Pennsylvania's tax code to require the state to pay interest on overpaid personal income taxes. It specifies that interest on refunds will accrue at the same rate used by the U.S. Treasury for federal taxes, starting from the date the overpayment was received. Taxpayers who overpay their state income tax - such as those who paid too much through estimated installments or filed early returns - will now receive interest on the excess amount. The bill also clarifies that no interest applies if a refund is issued within 60 days of the tax return deadline.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesHB 959 provides tax relief by requiring interest on overpaid personal income taxes, aligning with fiscal responsibility and taxpayer fairness under Budget & Taxes.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 28, 2025

HB 1007: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in fiscal affairs, establishing the Deterrent Fencing Cost-Share Program and the Deterrent Fencing Cost-Share Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

This bill establishes a state-funded program to help agricultural landowners install wildlife deterrent fencing. Eligible landowners who have experienced verifiable crop damage from wildlife (documented through at least 10% loss, physical evidence, and an in-person assessment) can receive 50% cost-sharing for approved fencing. The Department of Agriculture will administer the program, verifying damage and overseeing construction to meet specific wildlife-targeted standards. Funding is set at $4 million for the first year and $2 million annually thereafter, sourced from the Game Fund, with unspent funds after 2036 returned to the Game Fund.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes state-funded program with $4M+ allocation for agricultural fencing, directly increasing government spending on wildlife damage mitigation through fiscal appropriations.95% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 26, 2025

SB 287: 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.

SB 287 allocates $75.8 million from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry for administering Pennsylvania's Workers' Compensation Act and Occupational Disease Act during fiscal year 2025-2026. It also provides $550,000 to the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development for its operations. The funding covers salaries, travel, contractual services, and unpaid bills from the previous fiscal year. This bill directly affects state agencies managing workers' compensation programs and small business support services.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $75.8M and $550K from dedicated fund to fund essential workers' comp administration and small business advocate programs for FY2025-2026, advancing budgetary appropriations.95% confidence

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