SB 147 creates a program offering financial incentives to Pennsylvania truck owners and fleets purchasing near-zero emission trucks (diesel models from 2010 or later meeting EPA standards). It provides grants covering either the federal excise tax on new trucks or 6% of the used truck price (up to $5,000) to offset costs, but requires trading in a pre-2010 diesel truck that is titled and registered in Pennsylvania. The program, managed by the Department of Transportation, operates on a first-come, first-served basis with funds from a dedicated state incentive fund. Truck owners must register the new vehicle in Pennsylvania for at least two years to qualify for the grant.
HB 20 legalizes adult cannabis use in Pennsylvania for individuals aged 21 and older, replacing current medical-only rules with a new regulatory system. It creates the Keystone Cannabis Authority to license businesses, enforce rules for product safety and advertising, and establish the Community Opportunity Fund to support equity programs in communities disproportionately impacted by past cannabis enforcement. The bill imposes new sales and excise taxes on cannabis products and creates a Cannabis Regulation Fund to manage revenue. It also includes provisions for expunging certain past cannabis convictions ("Cannabis clean slate") and consolidates medical and recreational cannabis regulations under the new authority.
HB 1773 amends Pennsylvania's Liquor Code to legalize adult recreational cannabis use for individuals aged 21 and older. The bill establishes a regulatory framework for cannabis businesses, including licensing requirements, and imposes two specific taxes: a gross receipts tax on all cannabis sales and an excise tax on cannabis products. It also repeals outdated provisions in the existing Liquor Code that conflict with this new system. The bill is currently under review by the Health committee.
SB 120 establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for cannabis in the state. It creates the Cannabis Control Board (replacing the Department of Health) to oversee licensing, enforcement, and business regulations for cannabis businesses, including new permit requirements for dispensaries and cultivation centers. The bill imposes sales and excise taxes on cannabis products, establishes a Cannabis Regulation Fund for reinvestment, and includes provisions for "cannabis clean slate" expungement of past offenses, special support for businesses in disproportionately impacted areas, and consolidated rules for medical cannabis use. It directly affects cannabis businesses, consumers (with personal possession limits), and local governments managing local ordinances.
HB 582 amends Pennsylvania's 1971 Tax Reform Code to exclude the sale of firearms and ammunition from state sales and use tax. It directly affects firearm retailers and buyers, as these items will no longer be subject to tax when purchased at retail. The bill adds a specific exclusion (section 204(77)) defining "firearm" as a weapon designed to expel projectiles via explosives and "ammunition" as bullets or shells for such weapons. This change takes effect immediately upon passage.
HB 1596 exempts certain personal electronics and school supplies from Pennsylvania's sales tax during a specific annual August period. It excludes from tax the purchase of personal computers, tablets, or related devices under $1,500 for individual nonbusiness use, and school supplies like notebooks, art materials, or calculators priced at $50 or less per item. The exemption applies only to individual purchases made during the "exclusion period" (the first Saturday to the third Saturday in August), not to business purchases or items like servers, video game consoles, or music discs. This bill directly affects consumers buying eligible items during the defined August sales tax holiday.
HB 932 allows licensed businesses (manufacturers, importers, wholesalers, or retailers) to ship up to 768 ounces (6 cases) of beer or malt beverages monthly directly to Pennsylvania residents aged 21+ for personal use, not resale. It requires a $250 registration fee, proof of an out-of-state alcohol license, and a Pennsylvania sales tax license. Shippers must label packages with "CONTAINS ALCOHOL: SIGNATURE OF PERSON 21 YEARS OF AGE OR OLDER REQUIRED" and use licensed delivery services. The bill also limits shipments to 96 ounces per brand annually and clarifies it doesn’t alter existing distributor agreements.
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.
SB 636 would exempt sales tax on items and services related to guide, hearing, and service dogs in Pennsylvania. It directly affects disabled individuals and their caregivers by removing sales tax on veterinary care, medications, dog-specific supplies (like beds, collars, food), and maintenance services (such as grooming and boarding). The bill requires sellers to verify transactions involve a qualifying dog and either a disabled person or their representative. It amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create this specific exemption, pending final legislative approval. The bill is currently pending in the Finance Committee.
HB 762 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt volunteer emergency service organizations from paying state sales and use tax on protective equipment. The bill specifically covers volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, and rescue companies - defined as nonprofit groups providing emergency medical, fire, or rescue services. It excludes purchases like helmets, turnout gear, boots, gloves, and respiratory protection units from taxation when bought for members performing their duties. This tax exemption will apply to sales occurring on or after July 1, 2025.
