Budget & Taxes (Sales Tax)

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 9, 2026

HB 2616: 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.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt the sales tax on protective gear purchased by firefighters, volunteer ambulance workers, and volunteer rescue personnel. The exemption applies specifically to items such as helmets, turnout coats, boots, and respiratory protection units during a six-month period starting on July 1, 2026. To ensure clarity, the legislation requires the Department of Revenue to publish online guidance on how to implement this temporary exclusion. The law defines the equipment and purchaser terms precisely, noting that the tax break applies even if the gear is delivered after the six-month window closes.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief for essential protective gear for first responders, reducing their financial burden.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jun 8, 2026

HB 2244: 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. Amending Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in firearms and other dangerous articles, providing for the offense of unauthorized access to firearms.

This bill introduces two main changes to Pennsylvania law: it exempts gun safes and gun locks from sales and use tax, and it creates a new criminal offense for failing to securely store firearms. Under the new provisions, firearm owners must keep their weapons locked in a designated safe or with a locking device when not in use, with stricter penalties if a minor or unauthorized person is likely to be present. The legislation also establishes civil liability for owners whose unsecured firearms cause injury or property damage and requires retailers to post notices about secure storage laws. Additionally, the bill clarifies that gun cabinets do not qualify as gun safes and defines specific terms like "securely store" and "unauthorized user" to guide enforcement.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill exempts gun safes and locks from sales tax, providing direct tax relief to consumers.85% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new offense for unauthorized access to firearms and mandates secure storage, strengthening public safety and criminal justice enforcement.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Firearms

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 1392: An Act amending Title 16 (Counties) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hotel tax, further providing for hotel room rental tax in second class and second class A counties; providing for downtown Pittsburgh revitalization initiative; and establishing the Downtown Development Authority and the Downtown Revitalization Fund.

This bill amends Pennsylvania law to allow second-class counties to impose a 5% excise tax on hotel room rentals and creates a specific revitalization plan for downtown Pittsburgh. The legislation establishes a new Downtown Development Authority and a dedicated Downtown Revitalization Fund to support public projects that improve civic, cultural, and tourism facilities in the area. Revenue generated from the increased hotel tax will be used to fund these downtown improvement initiatives, aiming to boost local economic activity and infrastructure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill increases hotel taxes to fund downtown revitalization and public projects, directly advancing budget and taxation goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 30, 2026

HB 2478: 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.

This Pennsylvania bill introduces a temporary sales tax exemption for household cleaning supplies, such as brooms, mops, vacuums, and detergents. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal, non-business use during a six-month window starting on July 1, 2026. The Department of Revenue will publish online guidance to help consumers understand the rules, and the law defines a purchaser as someone who pays by cash or credit within that six-month period, even if the delivery arrives later.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax exemption for household cleaning supplies, offering tax relief to individual consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 16, 2026

HB 2395: 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.

House Bill 2395 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to temporarily exempt individuals from paying sales and use tax on lumber purchased for personal, non-business use. The bill defines 'lumber' as processed hardwood or softwood intended for construction and sets a six-month window starting July 1, 2026, during which this tax break applies. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue is required to publish online guidance explaining how to implement this temporary exclusion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on lumber for personal use, reducing tax burden on individuals.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 7, 2026

HB 2493: 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.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to exempt sales and use of specific baby items from state sales tax for a family's first child. The new provision allows parents to purchase child passenger restraint systems, formula feeding supplies, and teethers without paying tax, provided the child is their oldest or only child at the time of purchase. The Department of Revenue is required to publish online guidance to help clarify how these exclusions will be implemented. The changes are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if that date has already passed.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides tax relief by exempting specific baby items from sales tax, reducing the financial burden on families.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 2452: 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.

This bill proposes to temporarily exempt the sales and use tax on cribs, crib mattresses, and strollers in Pennsylvania. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month period starting July 1, 2026. Under the new rules, a sale is considered to occur when an individual places an order and pays for the item within that six-month window, even if delivery happens later. The Department of Revenue will issue online guidance to help businesses and consumers understand how to apply this temporary tax break.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on essential baby items, reducing costs for families and aligning with fiscal support for lower-income households.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax Tax Incentives

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 27, 2026

HB 2458: 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.

This Pennsylvania bill proposes to temporarily exempt office supplies from state sales and use tax for a six-month period starting July 1, 2026. The exemption applies to individual consumers purchasing items such as paper, pens, and staplers for personal nonbusiness use, rather than for commercial operations. Under the legislation, the Department of Revenue would maintain an online list of exempt items, and the tax relief would cover purchases made during the six-month window even if delivery occurs afterward.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary sales tax relief on office supplies for individual consumers, reducing their financial burden.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House May 20, 2026

HB 2524: 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.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's sales and use tax law to temporarily exempt soccer cleats, gloves, balls, and related accessories from tax. The exemption applies only to individual buyers purchasing these items for personal use during a six-month window starting when the law takes effect. To ensure clarity, the Department of Revenue must publish online guidance explaining how to apply this temporary exclusion.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary tax relief on sports equipment for individual buyers, reducing tax burden on consumers.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Procurement Sales Tax

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 9, 2026

HB 2373: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in gross receipts tax, further providing for imposition of tax and for establishment of revenue-neutral reconciliation; and providing for reporting and for transfers.

This bill modifies Pennsylvania's gross receipts tax rules for electric, waterpower, and hydro-electric utilities. It establishes a six-month tax holiday where these companies pay no gross receipts tax, starting in July 2026. The legislation requires utilities to pass the savings from this holiday directly to consumers as a reduction in their bills, with penalties for non-compliance. Additionally, the bill mandates that money transferred from the Alternative Fuels Incentive Act for the 2026-2027 fiscal year must match or exceed the amount transferred in the previous year.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates a tax holiday for utilities and mandates passing savings to consumers, reducing tax burdens and promoting fiscal relief.75% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides a tax holiday for utilities and mandates passing savings to consumers, protecting affordability and supporting the energy sector.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Business Taxes Sales Tax

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