Budget & Taxes (Debt & Bonds)

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 26, 2026

SB 1407: An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for definitions.

SB 1407 amends Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to update the definition of "redevelopment assistance capital projects" for the purpose of issuing tax-exempt bonds. The bill clarifies that eligible projects must generate significant economic activity, involve substantial non-state funding, and include specific infrastructure like stormwater systems or hospital facilities while excluding general highways and waste disposal sites. Additionally, it allows fire trucks and firefighting equipment to qualify for assistance under certain cost conditions. This legislative change directly affects local governments and organizations seeking state-approved financing for redevelopment initiatives by establishing clearer criteria for what projects can receive funding.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill updates definitions to allow issuance of tax-exempt bonds for eligible infrastructure, facilitating state capital projects and economic activity.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 1, 2026

SB 294: An Act amending the act of February 9, 1999 (P.L.1, No.1), known as the Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act, in capital facilities, further providing for definitions and for appropriation for and limitation on redevelopment assistance capital projects.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Capital Facilities Debt Enabling Act to clarify what counts as a "redevelopment assistance capital project" and sets specific rules for funding such projects. It directly affects local governments and developers seeking state-backed financing for infrastructure and community improvements by defining eligible projects as those that boost employment, generate tax revenue, and involve at least 50% non-State funding. The legislation excludes major public works like highways and sewage facilities but includes stormwater systems, tunnels, roads, hospitals, and housing developments that support economic activity, provided the total project cost is at least $1 million. Additionally, the bill removes a previous provision that allowed up to $50 million of state funds to be used specifically for constructing housing units. These changes take effect 60 days after the bill is enacted.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill clarifies and funds redevelopment projects that boost employment and generate tax revenue, promoting fiscal responsibility.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Debt & Bonds Revenue

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 23, 2026

SB 1265: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for consumer diesel fuel tax relief and for Commonwealth indebtedness.

This bill temporarily removes the tax on diesel fuel in Pennsylvania for a 60-day period to provide relief to consumers and businesses using the fuel. To fund this tax break, the state will take on $197 million in new debt, with repayment coming from the Motor License Fund. The borrowed money will be used to cover the financial costs of highway and bridge maintenance or construction projects during the tax relief period.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill provides temporary consumer diesel fuel tax relief, directly advancing the topic of tax policy and budgetary measures for public benefit.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill funds highway and bridge maintenance/construction via debt to offset diesel tax relief, directly supporting transportation infrastructure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Tax Incentives Bridges Roads & Highways Transportation Funding

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1220: An Act to provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

This Pennsylvania state bill authorizes funding for the fiscal year 2026-2027 for the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, public schools, and state debt. It allocates money from the General Fund, special funds, and federal sources to cover operational expenses and pay outstanding bills from the previous fiscal year. The legislation details specific budget amounts for various state departments, including education, health, transportation, and the courts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly authorizes and funds state operations, public schools, and debt for the upcoming fiscal year.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Debt & Bonds State Budget

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 15, 2026

HB 2402: An Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027; itemizing public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, flood control projects, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission projects and Manufacturing Fund projects leased or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizing the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies; authorizing the use of current revenue for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and making appropriations.

This bill establishes Pennsylvania's capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, authorizing state agencies to spend money on public improvements, equipment, transportation, flood control, and other infrastructure projects. It allows the Department of General Services and other agencies to incur debt or use current revenues to fund these projects without needing voter approval. The legislation provides specific funding amounts for various initiatives, including agricultural facilities, flood control measures, and manufacturing projects, with detailed cost estimates for each.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes capital budget for FY 2026-2027, authorizing state spending on infrastructure projects and making appropriations, directly advancing budget and fiscal management.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill allocates funding for transportation assistance and infrastructure projects under the state capital budget, directly supporting transportation development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Debt & Bonds State Budget

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 24, 2026

SB 1174: An Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027; itemizing public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, flood control projects, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission projects and Manufacturing Fund projects leased or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizing the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies; authorizing the use of current revenue for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by the Department of General Services and other State agencies stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and making appropriations.

SB 1174 is Pennsylvania's capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027, allocating over $32 billion for public infrastructure projects across state agencies. It directly affects agencies like the Department of Agriculture (funding Penn State research facilities and animal labs), Environmental Protection (flood control), and the Fish and Boat Commission, by authorizing debt financing for construction, renovations, and equipment. The bill itemizes specific projects - such as a $50 million plant science facility at Penn State and a $25 million equine lab - with total funding split across categories including public improvements ($32.3B), furniture/equipment ($917M), and transportation ($2.6B). It also permits using current revenue for certain projects, like the Manufacturing Fund ($10M for Department of Corrections facilities), without voter approval for debt.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $32B for state infrastructure projects via debt/current revenue, directly advancing public spending and fiscal management under budget topic.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly allocates $32B capital budget with transportation assistance, debt financing for infrastructure projects, and itemizes transportation-related funding in title/summary.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Debt & Bonds State Budget

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 9, 2025

HB 2092: An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school finances, providing for reduction of school district debt.

HB 2092 requires Pennsylvania school districts to use state funds received for approved school construction projects to reduce the associated debt rather than treating them as general revenue. Districts that received funds before the bill's effective date must reduce debt by the full amount of those funds, while districts receiving funds after must apply the funds directly to the project's debt. As debt is reduced, districts must lower their property tax rates (millage) proportionally. This applies to all school districts with construction projects approved under the Fiscal Code, directly affecting how they manage debt and local tax rates.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesMandates proportional property tax rate cuts as school debt is reduced using state construction funds, directly providing tax relief through fiscal management.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Property Tax Revenue

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Dec 9, 2025

HB 2097: An Act amending Title 72 (Taxation and Fiscal Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for Commonwealth capital improvement plans, for duties of State agencies, for debt limit for capital projects, for prohibition on exceeding debt limit for capital projects and for legislative oversight; and making an editorial change.

HB 2097 requires Pennsylvania's Governor to create and publish an annual Commonwealth capital improvement plan by February 1 each year. The plan must detail proposed capital projects (like building construction or major equipment) for the next three years, their costs, funding methods (including bond issuance), and a review of past projects, with public posting for comment. It also establishes a debt limit for capital projects and prohibits exceeding this limit, requiring legislative oversight to monitor compliance. This affects state agencies managing capital projects and the Governor's office in planning and reporting state spending.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEstablishes debt limit and legislative oversight for capital projects, promoting fiscal responsibility in budget management.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds State Budget

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 803: An Act providing for the establishment of first-time homebuyer savings accounts for first-time homebuyers in this Commonwealth; establishing the First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Program and the First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Fund; and imposing duties on the Treasury Department.

SB 803, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, creates a program allowing Pennsylvania residents who have never owned a home (first-time homebuyers) to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The Treasury Department will administer the program using existing structures (like the ABLE Program), enabling account holders to save for down payments and closing costs on single-family homes. Funds in the accounts can only be used for eligible home purchase expenses, with the program funded by account contributions and earnings - not state debt. This bill directly affects first-time homebuyers seeking to save for homeownership within Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, providing tax relief to middle-income residents through state-administered program.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax-advantaged savings accounts for down payments/closing costs, directly enabling first-time homebuyers to access homeownership.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Homeownership

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 23, 2025

HB 1989: An Act amending Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in economic development financing, providing for Keystone National Finance Authority.

HB 1989 creates the Keystone National Finance Authority to manage economic development financing in Pennsylvania. This new state agency will replace existing mechanisms under Title 64 for issuing bonds and providing loans to support projects like job creation, infrastructure, and business growth. It directly affects state agencies, local governments, and businesses seeking financing for qualifying economic development initiatives. The bill establishes clear processes for the authority to approve projects, issue debt, and manage funds, streamlining how financing is accessed for public and private development efforts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new agency for economic development financing with clear processes, promoting fiscal responsibility in government spending.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Debt & Bonds Tax Incentives

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