Veterans

passed · Pennsylvania · House Apr 22, 2025

HR 33: A Resolution recognizing the month of April 2025 as "Limb Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania.

This resolution (HR 33) designates April 2025 as "Limb Loss Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes the challenges faced by people with limb loss, including emotional, physical, and financial impacts. The resolution encourages Pennsylvanians to acknowledge this month, celebrate individuals living with limb loss, thank caregivers, and honor military amputees. It directly affects the public by promoting awareness of a condition impacting over 2 million Americans, as noted in the resolution's supporting facts.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly honors military amputees (veterans) within limb loss awareness, recognizing their service as part of the resolution's purpose.80% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 230: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration of vehicles, further providing for veteran plates and placard.

HB 230 amends Pennsylvania's vehicle registration law to update requirements for special "severely disabled veteran" license plates. It specifies that these plates must have a white background, blue text, the words "disabled veteran" in red, and the international access symbol, and can only be used on passenger vehicles, trucks under 14,000 pounds, or motorcycles (which get a matching decal). The bill adds that veterans receiving these plates can request a second identical plate or decal at no extra cost to display on the front of their vehicle. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransUpdates veteran plate design for recognition and allows free second plate, enhancing visibility and access for disabled veterans.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Healthcare

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passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Nov 18, 2025

SB 533: An Act amending Title 34 (Game) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in hunting and furtaking licenses, further providing for license requirements; and, in special licenses and permits, further providing for regulated hunting grounds permits.

SB 533 creates a fee exemption for veterans and active military members participating in approved hunting events. It allows the Pennsylvania Game Commission to issue "Military Event License Exemption Permits" for events on private land (with landowner approval) that provide rehabilitation or enjoyment for eligible individuals. Eligible participants include veterans with 30%+ service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, and one designated assistant per participant. Events are limited to 10 people for no more than seven consecutive days, require 14-day advance applications, and still require adherence to all hunting regulations like seasons and bag limits. The bill takes effect 60 days after passage.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides fee exemption for veterans in hunting events, expanding access to recreational benefits for eligible veterans with service-connected disabilities.95% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 23, 2025

SB 947: An Act amending the act of October 30, 1987 (P.L.375, No.75), entitled "An act providing for the designation of certain trees and land on the grounds of the State Capitol in Harrisburg as 'Soldiers' Grove' in honor of war veterans; imposing duties upon the Department of General Services; and making an appropriation," providing for the protection of hallowed ground; and imposing a penalty.

SB 947 amends Pennsylvania's 1987 law designating a specific area at the Harrisburg State Capitol as "Soldiers' Grove" to honor veterans. It prohibits all festivals, celebrations, or gatherings in this area except for events specifically for veterans, their families, first responders, or their families. Government entities cannot issue permits for such events, and violations carry a penalty of up to $2,500 or one year in jail. The bill focuses on protecting the memorial site's solemn character, not creating new programs or funding.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates 'Soldiers' Grove' to honor veterans, prohibits non-veteran events, and protects memorial site to preserve solemn recognition of veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 29, 2025

SB 144: An Act providing compensation to persons in active service in connection with the Global War on Terrorism or their beneficiaries; authorizing the incurring of indebtedness and the issue and sale of bonds by the Commonwealth for the payment of compensation contingent upon electorate approval; establishing the Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Fund and the Global War on Terrorism Veterans' Compensation Bond Sinking Fund; imposing a penalty; making appropriations; and making a repeal.

SB 144 provides financial compensation to Pennsylvania veterans who served in the Global War on Terrorism (September 11, 2001-December 31, 2022) or their beneficiaries. Eligible veterans receive $1,000 for direct support (e.g., specific campaign medals) or $500 for general service, with $5,000 for deceased veterans or prisoners of war. To qualify, veterans must have been Pennsylvania legal residents during service or at death, and the program is funded through state bonds requiring voter approval. The bill also prohibits charging fees to assist veterans with applications and establishes funds to manage compensation payments.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProvides direct financial compensation to eligible veterans and beneficiaries, expanding benefits through state-funded bonds.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 5, 2025

SB 417: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, further providing for Fort Indiantown Gap; and establishing the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund.

SB 417 amends Pennsylvania's military affairs laws to expand the use and revenue generation capabilities of Fort Indiantown Gap. It authorizes the Adjutant General to lease portions of the Fort's land to private businesses that benefit the local community and military families, with generated revenue directed to a new fund. The bill also broadens the Fort's purpose to include emergency response training and quality-of-life programs for service members, veterans, and their families. A new restricted fund, the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund, is established to receive these revenues and donations, supporting these initiatives.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes revenue-generating leasing of Fort Indiantown Gap land, directing funds to a new veterans/families program, directly funding a specific initiative via budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill creates Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund with revenue from Fort Indiantown Gap leases, expanding quality-of-life programs for veterans.90% confidence

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate May 30, 2025

SB 813: An Act amending Title 62 (Procurement) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

SB 813 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contracting with businesses in designated underutilized areas. It requires state agencies to set contract-specific goals ensuring 20% HUB zone business participation on contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% on larger contracts, with waivers available if agencies demonstrate "good faith efforts" to find qualified businesses. The program mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance monthly, and review utilization schedules. This directly affects Pennsylvania state purchasing agencies and for-profit businesses headquartered in designated HUB zones meeting federal certification criteria.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly includes veteran-owned businesses in HUB Zone procurement requirements, mandating state agencies to prioritize contracts with them to support veteran business employment.90% confidence

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Mar 25, 2025

HB 410: An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in licensing of drivers, further providing for issuance and content of driver's license.

HB 410 allows certain Pennsylvanians with disabilities, 100% service-connected veterans, and active-duty military members or their dependents living abroad to renew driver's licenses using their most recent photo and signature on file instead of providing new photos. The bill applies to individuals who qualify under existing disability plate rules (Section 1338), have a 100% service-connected disability certification, or are active military personnel or their dependents. Renewal using existing records is prohibited if no current photo/signature exists, if record changes (like name or eye color) are needed, or if the photo is over 16 years old. The law takes effect 33 months after enactment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExplicitly grants 100% service-connected veterans simplified license renewal, reducing administrative burden and recognizing veteran status per bill language.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Military Families Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 31, 2025

HB 1110: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for military sexual trauma awareness; and imposing duties on the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs.

HB 1110 requires Pennsylvania's Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to implement a public awareness campaign about military sexual trauma (defined as sexual assault or harassment during military service). The campaign must promote survivor acceptance, encourage active military members to report incidents, and provide information about available support resources. The department must design accessible materials (multilingual, mobile-friendly, and culturally appropriate) for its website, consult with advocacy groups and veterans with lived experience, and submit detailed reports within 180 days and one year of implementation. This bill directly affects active military members, veterans, and the public by improving access to trauma support and raising community awareness.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransMandates awareness campaign for military sexual trauma survivors, promoting access to support resources and improving veteran healthcare access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Oct 6, 2025

HB 1918: An Act amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions, providing for prohibiting the receipt of compensation with regard to veterans' benefits.

HB 1918 prohibits individuals or entities from charging fees for assisting veterans with benefits claims in Pennsylvania, directly affecting veterans' advocates, lawyers, and representatives who prepare or submit claims. It bans charging for services before a claim is formally filed, guarantees of specific benefits, excessive fees (citing federal fee guidelines), and referral payments. The bill requires written agreements outlining all fees before services begin and defines "compensation" broadly to include any financial benefit. Violations are classified as a third-degree misdemeanor.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransProhibits fees for veterans' benefits assistance, preventing exploitation and protecting veterans from financial harm during claims process.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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