SB 218 amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify tenant selection rules and expand veteran preferences for low-income housing. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income tenants (with income ≤ six times annual rent, including utility costs) and prohibits renting to non-citizens or those violating immigration laws. The bill also adds a provision ensuring veteran preferences apply to all qualifying housing programs, not just specific ones. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania housing authorities and applicants seeking subsidized housing.
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to exempt certain veterans and their surviving spouses from Pennsylvania property taxes on their primary residences. It applies to veterans who served honorably and have specific service-connected disabilities (such as blindness, paralysis, amputation, or a 100% VA-rated disability), as well as surviving spouses of veterans killed in action or with service-connected deaths. The exemption requires the State Veterans' Commission to verify the applicant’s financial need and does not consider disability compensation when determining eligibility. The amendment must be approved by the General Assembly and voters before taking effect.
HB 1405 amends Pennsylvania's Public School Code to create new pathways for veterans to become career and technical teachers in public schools. It allows veterans who served at least 8,000 hours (four years full-time) in an occupation they will teach to qualify for a Career and Technical Intern Certificate or Career and Technical Instructional I Certificate, bypassing some standard certification requirements. The bill specifically defines "veteran" as someone discharged under honorable conditions from U.S. Armed Forces, including National Guard or reserves. This directly affects veterans seeking teaching roles in career and technical education programs across Pennsylvania's public schools.
HB 29 establishes Pennsylvania's HUB Zone Business Procurement Program to increase state contract opportunities for businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans, or located in historically underutilized business zones (HUB zones). It requires state agencies to set specific participation goals: 20% for contracts between $100,000-$750,000 and 25% for larger contracts, with exceptions if qualified businesses aren't available. The bill defines "diverse and disadvantaged businesses" to include HUB zone businesses and mandates agencies to compile verified business lists, monitor compliance, and provide training to support these businesses. This directly affects state purchasing agencies and qualifying businesses seeking state contracts.
HB 968 allows active duty military members and disabled veterans to use their home state fishing and hunting licenses in Pennsylvania without purchasing separate Pennsylvania licenses. The bill amends Pennsylvania’s Fish (Title 30) and Game (Title 34) statutes to create reciprocity for annual licenses, directly benefiting these groups when fishing or hunting in the state. Key provisions remove the need for these individuals to pay additional fees for Pennsylvania licenses, streamlining access to outdoor recreation. The bill passed in June 2025 and is now law.
This resolution designates September 2025 as "Military Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month" in Pennsylvania. It does not create new laws or allocate funds but formally recognizes the need for increased awareness and support related to military suicide prevention. The designation aims to encourage community efforts and education during that month, directly affecting Pennsylvanians through heightened public focus on this issue.
HB 1847 names a specific bridge on Pennsylvania Route 729 over Gazzam Run in Jordan Township, Clearfield County (Bridge Key 11527) as the "PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey Memorial Bridge." This bill directly affects the location by changing its official designation to honor PFC Raymond Lee McGarvey, a military service member. As a ceremonial resolution, it involves no policy changes or funding, solely commemorating an individual through a bridge naming. The bill is currently referred to the Transportation committee for consideration.
This resolution designates June 8, 2025, as "Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy Day" in Pennsylvania to honor his military service and community leadership. It specifically recognizes Lieutenant Colonel George Hardy, a Tuskegee Airmen veteran who flew 21 combat missions in WWII, later served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and received the Distinguished Flying Cross and Congressional Gold Medal. The resolution commemorates his 100th birthday and his post-military work mentoring pilots and supporting community organizations. As a ceremonial resolution, it has no policy impact beyond this symbolic recognition.
This bill changes Pennsylvania's fishing license fees for specific veterans and military members. Disabled veterans with a 100% service-connected disability (certified by the VA) receive free resident fishing licenses, while those with 60-99% disability pay $1. Deployed Pennsylvania National Guard members (with proof of 60+ days overseas deployment in the last 24 months) also get a $1 annual license. It repeals a prior section that provided similar $1 licenses to reserve component military members. The law took effect 60 days after the governor signed it on June 30, 2025.
HB 1452 amends Pennsylvania's Military Affairs statutes to update provisions for the veterans registry and the PA VETConnect Program. The bill requires the veterans registry forms to include options for requesting information on support resources for military sexual trauma. Additionally, it mandates that the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs coordinate with organizations that provide military sexual trauma support resources as part of the PA VETConnect Program. These changes are intended to improve access to specific support services for veterans.
