PennsylvaniaSB 1462025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in emergency COVID-19 response, providing for extension of use of certain funds; in Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, further providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in cigarette sales and licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for allowable mode of operations for licensed cigarette stamping agents; in joint underwriting association, further providing for fund transfers; providing for food processing residuals; in financially distressed municipalities, further providing for financial recovery; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and * * *

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

164 provisions identified: 128 benefits, 13 costs, 23 mixed.

Higher pensions for longtime school retirees

Eligible Public School Employees' Retirement System recipients get an automatic monthly supplement with the first payment on or after July 1, 2026. It equals 15%–24.5% of their July 1, 2026 annuity, based on retirement date; recipients may opt out in writing. The 15% rate covers retirement from July 2, 2000, through July 1, 2001; 24.5% covers retirement before July 2, 1982. Recipients must receive a qualifying retirement, withdrawal, or disability annuity on July 1, 2026, and have last retired before July 2, 2001. Class T-D service is excluded, as are multiple-service members with Class D-4 or Class AA state-system service. Withdrawal recipients must wait until July 1 on or after reaching the applicable retirement age. Survivors of members who died before July 1, 2026, do not qualify. The supplement does not count as income for state benefit eligibility unless another law bars that exclusion.

Higher pensions for longtime state retirees

Eligible State Employees' Retirement System recipients get a monthly supplement starting with payments on or after July 1, 2026. It equals 15%–24.5% of their July 1, 2026 annuity, based on retirement date, and is automatic unless declined in writing. Recipients must receive a qualifying retirement, withdrawal, or disability annuity on July 1, 2026, and have last retired before July 2, 2001. Class D-4 and Class AA service are excluded, as are multiple-service members with Class T-D school-system service. Withdrawal recipients must wait until July 1 on or after reaching superannuation age. Payment follows the recipient's annuity option plan and later changes to that plan. Survivors of members who died before July 1, 2026, do not qualify.

Higher pensions for retired municipal responders

Eligible retired municipal police officers and firefighters receive a monthly increase with their first payment on or after August 1, 2026. Based on years retired on January 1, 2026, the increase is $75 for 5–9 years, $150 for 10–19 years, and $300 for 20 or more years. Retirees must have started benefits before January 1, 2021, and must not opt out in writing. Each year's adjustment is reduced by 65% of the total prior postretirement adjustments paid in the preceding year. Combined adjustments from multiple municipal systems cannot exceed the applicable amount.

Tax relief in housing redevelopment zones

Pennsylvania must designate up to 300 acres for zones used mainly for housing redevelopment. Eligible fourth-class counties must have had 130,000 to fewer than 135,000 residents in 2020; at least 50 acres must be in third-class cities there. Residents and businesses on approved parcels receive Keystone Opportunity Zone tax breaks for the zone's duration; sales and use tax exemptions last 10 years. Eligible municipalities and development authorities can apply October 1, 2026, through October 1, 2029, including for multiple parcels smaller than 10 acres. The Department must decide before December 31, 2029.

Freeze recovery grants for fruit growers

Pennsylvania provides at least $10 million for recovery grants to eligible growers of pome fruit, stone fruit, grapes, or berries. Growers must have lost at least 30% of expected production from freezes during April 1–21, 2026. Applicants must verify acreage in production during that period and map each parcel and affected acreage. The Department sets per-acre payments, adjusts awards to available funds, and applies any award limit by federal employer identification number.

Premium changes for workers with disabilities

Pennsylvania can change the Medical Assistance premium percentage for workers with disabilities, with federal approval. This is in addition to the monthly premium under the Tobacco Settlement Act. Covered workers who do not make required payments lose Medical Assistance coverage. The law does not set a new premium percentage.

Loan limits for agricultural project borrowers

Covered Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority agricultural project loans cannot exceed the lesser of $2 million or 50% of total project costs. The limit applies to eligible loans for land, buildings, machinery, or equipment.

Medicaid treatment authorized before prison release

Beginning July 1, 2026, Human Services can establish a Medical Assistance reentry program. It provides eligible recipients in participating correctional institutions with substance use disorder treatment and case management before release. Federal approval and appropriated funding are required, so services are not guaranteed at every institution. The law allows up to $900,000 from Medical Assistance fee-for-service funds for the program.

More pharmacy choices for Medicaid patients

Medical Assistance managed care plans and pharmacy contracting groups must accept qualified pharmacies enrolled in Medical Assistance. Pharmacies must agree to the payment rates and quality standards. Pharmacies removed for cause can reapply after 12 months. The contracting requirement excludes pharmacies removed for specified state, federal controlled-substance, or similar legal violations.

State retiree supplement protects benefit eligibility

Beginning July 1, 2026, Pennsylvania excludes the covered State Employees’ Retirement System supplemental annuity from income for state benefit eligibility. The exclusion applies unless another law prohibits it. This helps prevent the supplement from reducing access to income-based state programs.

Substance treatment during and after jail

The law directs at least $1.75 million to county grants for medication-assisted and comprehensive substance use treatment. Treatment serves eligible people in county correctional institutions and after release. A physician must find that the person meets clinical criteria for opioid or alcohol use disorder. Medication-assisted treatment combines FDA-approved medicines with nonmedication treatment when clinically needed.

Recovery help for disaster-hit households

State disaster assistance funds must support case management, temporary housing, home repairs, and immediate serious needs after emergencies or declared disasters. Eligible households can get one serious-needs payment per disaster after a verified damage assessment and agency eligibility review. Households that received compensation from insurance or another funding source cannot get that payment. The law does not set a payment amount.

Repair help after disasters and emergencies

Local Municipal Relief money must include assistance for people and local governments directly affected by disasters or public safety dangers. Grants can cover repairs to primary homes, personal property, and public facilities that do not qualify for federal aid. Disaster-area reimbursement requires no presidential disaster coverage for the area or a state finding that a public safety emergency occurred. State assistance may be limited to projects ineligible for federal help. The law does not set individual grant amounts.

Help paying for high school equivalency

At least $1.05 million from adult and family literacy funding supports high school equivalency testing subsidies and more testing opportunities. People receiving help must meet requirements set by the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Testing must lead to a Commonwealth secondary school diploma credential. The law does not set the subsidy per person.

Higher bonuses for child care workers

Qualified child care staff receive a one-time retention bonus of at least $540, up from $450. The bonus goes through Pennsylvania's Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program. The provision does not state a maximum payment.

Farm succession planning grants up to $5,000

The Department of Agriculture can use up to $165,000 for farm succession-planning grants, with each grant capped at $5,000. Grants support continued farming on land protected by an agricultural conservation easement. The Department sets eligibility with the State Agricultural Land Preservation Board. Awards are not guaranteed.

Public reimbursement for Convention Center costs

The law provides a $234.9 million base allocation for eligible Pennsylvania Convention Center debt service, capital, debt, and operating costs. Total allocations and payments cannot exceed $234.9 million, and the allocation remains available through December 31, 2039. Reimbursements cover expenses paid by Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, or another eligible public body; operating costs and required reserves need budget secretary approval. Payments generally follow full allowable use of specified annual gaming tourism funds, unless an expense qualifies only under this allocation.

More school repair and solar funding

For fiscal year 2026–2027, the Commonwealth Financing Authority gets $100 million to supplement school facility grants tied to 2025–2026 applications. It must open a supplemental application period lasting at least 10 days. Another $25 million funds school solar projects recommended by the Department under the Solar for Schools provisions.

Investment tax credits for qualifying insurers

Innovate in PA 2.0 authorizes sales of up to $125 million in tax credits starting no earlier than October 1, 2026. Eligible buyers are Pennsylvania-authorized insurers and qualifying insurance holding companies with insurance premiums tax liability and required state tax filings and payments. Requests must cover at least $500,000 in credits; contributions must equal at least the greater of 75% of requested credits or the market-based percentage, and bidding must yield at least $75 million. Credits become usable in 2030 for tax years starting January 1, 2029, or later, with $15 million in annual total use and no taxpayer exceeding its tax liability. Credits cannot carry back, can carry forward through tax years beginning by December 31, 2041, and can transfer with 30 days' written notice to qualified recipients in good standing who assume the obligations.

State redirects surplus and gaming money

For fiscal year 2026–2027, the law requires a $580 million General Fund transfer from eligible surplus trust funds. The Budget Secretary must find a surplus, protect program goals, and exclude the fund established under Fiscal Code § 1701-A. No fiscal year 2025–2026 General Fund surplus can enter the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund. Lawmakers can also use general appropriations to spend unused, unencumbered, or uncommitted State Gaming Fund money.

Travel help for prison visiting families

The law directs at least $2.6 million to the nonprofit specified by state law. Of that money, $600,000 must provide transportation for families visiting Pennsylvania state correctional institutions. The law does not state an assistance amount for each family.

Clearer long-term care choices for residents

Long-term care notices and education materials for eligible residents must explain the choice between LIFE and Community HealthChoices. They must compare services, include LIFE frequently asked questions, and provide the assigned LIFE provider’s contact information. They must also include a form confirming the person understands LIFE services. The Department of Human Services must involve LIFE providers in developing the questions and form.

Free chip-enabled cards for SNAP recipients

Subject to appropriated funds, the Department of Human Services must switch all SNAP access cards to chip-enabled cards by January 1, 2028. Each eligible recipient receives one card free, with enhanced security features. The department must conduct recipient and vendor outreach and establish emergency distribution procedures. Where possible, it must take steps to maximize federal or other funding by October 1, 2026.

Free tick testing and tick control

The law provides $1.2 million for free tick testing for Pennsylvania residents, including outreach and marketing. It also provides $1 million for tick mitigation. Both efforts must work with a university in Pennsylvania’s state university system. The law does not name the communities receiving mitigation work.

Fruit and vegetable help for SNAP families

The law directs $2 million from farmers market food coupon funding to a fruit and vegetable incentive program for SNAP participants. Participants use the incentives at eligible food retailers. The nonprofit administrator must be headquartered in a Pennsylvania city of the first class and have received the specified federal nutrition grant. The law does not set a per-person benefit amount.

More college support for student parents

The Department of Education expands the Parent Pathways Learning Network pilot for parents pursuing college degrees or certificates. The program gives institutions financial and technical help to remove barriers to completion. It also supports access to family-sustaining wages and in-demand jobs. The law does not set individual student payments.

Protected funding for veterans seeking jobs

A program connecting veterans with jobs receives at least its fiscal year 2014–2015 funding level from the industry partnerships appropriation. The program operates in a home rule county classified as second class A. The provision does not state the historical dollar amount or guarantee anyone a job.

Targeted college aid for eligible students

The law sets aside $1 million for merit scholarships at a state-owned university in Tioga County. It directs $2.5 million to the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program. Another $3 million supports students enrolled in an accredited Pennsylvania college of optometry. These provisions do not state individual award amounts.

Cybersecurity support for Pennsylvania small businesses

The law directs at least $1.9 million to a manufacturing technology effort helping Pennsylvania small businesses improve cybersecurity. The effort also tests rare-earth metal extraction from coal ash refuse for domestic chip manufacturing. It must be in a fourth-class county with 130,000 to 135,000 residents under the latest federal census. Individual business award amounts are not specified.

Attorney General gains operating funding options

The Attorney General can use up to $1.2 million from its general operations appropriation for the mass-transit special prosecutor. The law also directs $889,692 for joint task force operating and property costs, as needed. The office can use money from seven listed restricted accounts for general government operations. These include accounts tied to criminal enforcement, collections, straw-purchase prevention education, public protection, and asset forfeiture.

Child advocate groups gain grant access

Organizations that train, assist, or support court-appointed special advocates can apply for Children's Trust Fund grants. They may serve one or more counties and must meet the grant solicitation criteria. A statewide group starting a new county program needs a support letter from that county's Court of Common Pleas. Multiple applications from a statewide group must use different county partners. Grant money can meet matching requirements where the law permits.

Child exploitation investigators get funding

The state directs $500,000 to a statewide Child Predator Unit. Another $500,000 supports training and equipment for identifying, investigating, and prosecuting child sexual abuse offenses under Pennsylvania law. The Attorney General must use at least $35,000 for regional police first-response and investigation training. Topics include online child exploitation, AI-generated abuse material, sextortion, and sharing intimate images without permission.

County probation money prioritizes offender treatment

County intermediate punishment money supports adult probation supervision and drug, alcohol, and mental health treatment. It serves offenders sentenced to qualifying, certified restrictive probation conditions. At least 80% of the appropriation must go to treatment. The treatment share otherwise follows national statistics on incarcerated people's treatment needs.

Crime victim fund gains transfer option

The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency can transfer eligible uncommitted Medical Marijuana Act money to the Crime Victim Services and Compensation Fund. Only money available to the commission under section 902(c)(4) qualifies. The transfer is optional, and this provision sets no amount or deadline.

Disaster aid helps local governments rebuild

State disaster aid is available to counties and municipalities for emergencies or declared disasters. It can restore public infrastructure to its prior condition, remove debris, and pay for emergency protection. Costs cannot already be covered by insurance or another funding source. Local governments must meet Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency eligibility requirements.

Diversion services funded for first-time offenders

The state directs $750,000 to a diversion program for first-time nonviolent offenders facing prison sentences. Services include education, job assistance, case management, and mentoring. The provision does not set individual application procedures or award amounts.

Firearm task forces receive state funding

The law allocates $8.431 million for a joint local-state firearm task force in a first-class city. The Attorney General and district attorney share it, with no more than 20% going to the district attorney. A separate $3.508308 million goes to the Attorney General for task-force costs in a first-class city. Another $1.537952 million funds establishment and operation of a joint firearm task force in a second-class county.

Funding floor protects crime victim notifications

Pennsylvania must fund its statewide automated victim information and notification system at least at the 2014–2015 spending level. The system gives victims offender information through county jails. The law does not state that earlier dollar amount.

Funding for a regional rescue team

The law allows up to $6 million for a qualifying urban search and rescue task force's sponsoring agency. The team must be part of a regional counterterrorism task force covering a second-class county. Funds cover equipment, storage, training, administration, and operations, with sponsoring-agency administrative costs capped at 3%. The team must meet minimum federal Type 3 rescue standards by January 5, 2028. The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and sponsoring agency must agree on the budget.

Funding for conservation and well plugging

The law transfers $1.897 million in specified state tax receipts to the Environmental Stewardship Fund. For fiscal year 2026–2027, it also allows up to $19.026 million for the Well Plugging Restricted Revenue Account. Well-plugging transfers must come from one or more of nine listed state accounts and funds. The full well-plugging amount is not guaranteed.

Funding for emergency planning and rescue dogs

From July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, the emergency management agency can redirect up to $1 million for preparedness and emergency management. The money must be previously appropriated state disaster assistance funds that remain unspent and uncommitted. Search and rescue appropriations also support programs training working service dogs for rescue and public safety.

Funding for statewide 2-1-1 service referrals

The law allocates $750,000 from the 2-1-1 communications budget to a statewide system grant program. Grants support organizations connecting residents with information and services. The law does not name individual grant recipients or provide household payments.

Grants for arts in underserved communities

The law directs at least $1 million to Council on the Arts grants for organizations rooted in and serving historically underserved communities. Multiyear, tiered grants support technical help, organizational development, community engagement, artist development, and long-term stability. This money adds to, rather than replaces, related funding awarded in fiscal year 2025–2026.

Grants support parks and outdoor recreation

Money appropriated for parks, forests, and recreation projects funds grants to improve those places and activities. The law does not state a total grant amount or provide direct household payments.

Harrisburg funding supports Capitol fire protection

Harrisburg must use money appropriated to the Department of General Services for Capitol fire protection to support Capitol Complex fire services. The law does not state the dollar amount.

More funding for crime victim services

The Secretary of the Budget must transfer $4.5 million from the Medical Marijuana Program Fund. The money goes to the Crime Victim Services and Compensation Fund. The provision does not set new individual eligibility rules or compensation amounts.

Parole Board gets six-month staffing deadlines

Pennsylvania Parole Board members can serve no more than six months after their terms expire. The Governor must nominate someone to fill a vacancy within six months after it first occurs.

Pilot funds prosecutors for federal firearm crimes

At least $3 million helps a first-class city and a second-class A home rule county hire additional prosecutors. Through Project Safe Neighborhoods, these assistant district attorneys must be designated as special United States attorneys. They must prosecute only federal firearm-possession crimes under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g).

Police get violent-crime investigation grants

The state creates annual violent-crime investigation grants and directs at least $2.5 million to the program. Grants support investigators, training, evidence tools, records, witnesses, and reporting; at least 10% must be reserved for rural-serving agencies. Agencies apply individually or jointly across jurisdictions, and grants must add to existing funding and be geographically spread. Administration is capped at 3%; the first evaluation is due within one year, then annually by March 31. A separate $400,000 supports a system for participating police agencies to access incident report data.

Prison oversight and inmate assistance funded

A designated nonprofit receives at least $2.6 million, including $2 million for monitoring state and county correctional institutions. The work includes independent data collection and analysis. It also helps incarcerated people with health, safety, and dignity concerns. The money goes to the nonprofit, not directly to individuals.

Recruitment support for local fire groups

State Fire Commissioner funds support a statewide recruitment and retention coordinator and regional technical advisors. They develop and deliver training and provide technical help to local fire groups and governments. The law does not specify a funding amount.

Towns get grants for connected signals

The state directs $5 million to municipal grants for installing or maintaining connected traffic signal systems. Eligible equipment includes synchronized timing, adaptive signals, and related controllers, detectors, and communications tools. Systems must connect to a central location through the Commonwealth Communications Network. Towns and cities do not need matching funds.

Youth treatment and violence prevention funding

The law preserves 2014–2015 funding floors for a residential treatment community facility for at-risk youth in a fifth-class county. It also preserves that year's funding floor for violence and delinquency prevention in second-class cities. Blueprint youth violence mentoring in first-, second-, and third-class cities gets the same funding-floor protection. Programs in second- and third-class cities also share $350,000 proportionally. The earlier spending amounts are not stated.

Food access programs receive waste-reduction funding

The law directs $5 million from the farmers market food coupons appropriation to reduce food waste and strengthen food access programs. It does not set a household benefit amount or eligibility rule.

Funding for adult sickle cell care

The law directs $75,000 to a qualifying academic medical center to expand care for adults with sickle cell disease. The center must be in a Pennsylvania county of the third class. That county must have between 280,000 and 300,000 residents under the latest federal decennial census.

Funding for blind residents and vision services

The law allocates $4.084 million to a statewide association serving blind people for training, support, preschool vision screenings, and eye safety education. It also provides $818,000 for specialized services and blindness prevention in cities of the first class. Another $250,000 goes to a nonprofit in a county of the second class. That money supports vision rehabilitation for Pennsylvania residents who are blind or visually impaired.

Funding for dementia and senior depression

Department of Aging funding must include enough money to operate the Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Related Disorders Office. Separately, the law preserves funding for depression prevention, treatment, and related complications among older residents in a county of the second class. Funding from the Medical Assistance capitation budget must at least match the fiscal year 2014–2015 amount. Neither dollar amount is stated.

Funding for lung awareness and research

The law directs $212,000 to awareness of cystic fibrosis and other chronic lung illnesses in a county of the second class. It also directs $106,000 to childhood cystic fibrosis research. The research hospital must be in a city of the first class and specialize in treating children. It must also be nationally accredited as a cystic fibrosis treatment center.

Funding supports sports for disabled residents

The law directs $1 million from tourism marketing funds to regional athletic events and related statewide competition costs. These activities serve about 2,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. The annual statewide competition must take place in a fourth-class county. Health and fitness programs for people with developmental disabilities in a first-class city must receive at least their 2014–2015 funding. That earlier dollar amount is not stated.

Funding to coordinate donated dental care

The Department of Health’s general operations budget must include enough money to coordinate donated dental services. The law does not state a funding amount or define who receives care.

Grants for brain disease research centers

Money appropriated for neurodegenerative disease research must fund grants to academic clinical medical centers conducting that research in Pennsylvania. These diseases involve damage to nerve cells over time. The law does not state the total funding amount or provide individual payments.

Health service grants follow set shares

Funding for children with special needs, Cooley's anemia, hemophilia, and sickle cell services follows fiscal year 2019–2020 grantee shares. Adult cystic fibrosis and chronic respiratory illness funds left after the specified awareness program and childhood cystic fibrosis research follow those same historical shares. Lupus funding is shared proportionately among entities funded in fiscal year 2018–2019. ALS support funding is split between two organizations: 69.8% for one serving 36 counties and 30.2% for another serving 31 counties. These rules set allocations, not total funding or individual benefits.

Mental health websites include veterans' resources

The law directs $580,000 in mental health services or federal money to run, maintain, and expand service-referral websites. The websites provide mental health and substance use information and support. They must include resources for veterans and their families, including housing, job placement, and career counseling referrals.

More funding for county mental health

The law directs an additional $20 million to counties and county partnerships for mental health services. Using the latest five-year American Community Survey estimates, shares depend 20% on population and 40% on uninsured residents. The remaining 40% depends on residents with incomes above 125% and no greater than 200% of the federal poverty level. Counties must provide and report services under state human services requirements. This money stays outside the Human Services Block Grant formula, and the allocation rule does not cover behavioral health appropriations.

Primary care grantees keep prior awards

Covered primary health care practitioner grantees receive the same dollar amounts they received in fiscal year 2022–2023. This rule excludes the separately addressed loan repayment, residency expansion, and recruitment and retention programs. The total funding is not stated.

Screening funds cover more women's care

Money appropriated for breast cancer screening can also pay for women's medical services, including noninvasive contraception supplies. The law expands permitted uses without stating a new funding amount or individual eligibility rules.

Separate Medicaid payments support childbirth care

Medical Assistance fee-for-service funding must cover separate hospital payments for normal newborn care and the mother's delivery. This applies to inpatient stays at acute care general hospitals. It excludes inpatient services paid through capitation plans. The law does not state payment rates or a patient savings amount.

University funding studies trauma and violence

At least $2 million in Medical Assistance fee-for-service funds goes to a university in a first-class city. The university must study how trauma-informed programs affect community violence prevention and health disparities. This funds research, not direct household payments.

Women's health funds cover contraception supplies

SelectPlan for Women's fee-for-service funding must support women's medical services, including noninvasive birth control supplies. The law does not set an individual benefit amount or add eligibility conditions.

Public search tool for affordable rentals

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency must create a searchable public database of qualifying publicly financed rental properties with at least five units. It lists addresses and, when available and legally shareable, affordability restriction end dates and extension or modification information. The agency must post and update it by December 31, 2027, and every December 31 afterward. Local housing agencies can voluntarily submit information by October 1, 2027, and each October 1 afterward. The database itself does not change rents or housing eligibility.

After-school programs keep targeted funding floors

Two after-school learning programs serving low-income students receive funding floors tied to past allocations. A program in a sixth-class county with 64,730–65,558 residents gets at least its fiscal year 2014–2015 allocation. A program in a third-class county with 320,000–330,000 residents gets at least its fiscal year 2016–2017 allocation. Population counts come from the most recent federal decennial census. The law does not state those past dollar amounts.

Continued grants for work clothing providers

The state must offer another fiscal-year grant to eligible PA Workwear providers that operated last year and remain open. Grants depend on available federal money and eligibility under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families rules. Terms must stay substantially similar unless both sides agree to changes. The department may fund a replacement provider when a prior grantee declines. Services and reporting must follow federal requirements.

Grants support at-risk kids outside school

At least $11.5 million supports grants for at-risk school-age children before or after school and during summer. Programs must offer structured activities, engaged mentors, and practices backed or informed by evidence. Eligible applicants include school districts, career and technical schools, libraries, and statewide youth-serving nonprofits. Qualifying community nonprofits that are not members of statewide youth-serving nonprofits can also apply.

Grants support mobile science and math

Money appropriated for mobile science, mathematics, and literacy programs supports grants for mobile science and math education. It may also fund grants authorized under section 1507-N of the Public School Code. The law does not state grant amounts.

More yearly funding for workplace safety

Starting July 1, 2026, the Bureau of Occupational and Industrial Safety receives an additional $1.5 million each fiscal year. The money comes from specified Department of Labor and Industry collections. It supplements the bureau's regular appropriations and other funding.

Targeted funding supports autism education

Two qualifying higher education institutions each receive $300,000 for autism education and diagnostic curriculum. One must be in a city of the first class and operate a Center for Autism in a second-class-A county. The other must be in a county of the second class. Another $600,000 goes to an alternative education provider serving people with autism and developmental disabilities. That provider must be in the county most recently designated second class A; no individual payment amounts are set.

Animal labs get bird flu funding

At least $6 million supports state animal laboratory costs to prepare for or respond to highly pathogenic bird flu. The money comes from the agricultural preparedness and response appropriation. Separately, Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission funding must be divided equally among Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System labs.

Annual financial checks for public pensions

The state employee retirement board must submit annual pension stress-test results by October 1. The Independent Fiscal Office’s related report is due December 1. The school employee retirement board’s results are due April 1, followed by the fiscal office’s report on June 1. These reviews do not change pension benefit amounts or set new funding levels.

Community funds support downtowns and businesses

Keystone Communities funds support economic growth, community development, and municipal assistance across Pennsylvania. Main Street Matters funds support planning, businesses, appearance and accessibility improvements, safety, and community building. They can also support operations of state-designated Main Street or Elm Street programs. Community and Economic Assistance funds include state development grants, including projects in the public interest. No total funding or grant amounts are specified.

Farm and hardwood programs receive funding

Agricultural excellence funds reserve at least $1.4 million for beef excellence programs. Agricultural research funds reserve at least $300,000 for an agricultural resource center. Another research allocation provides at least $100,000 for agricultural law research, including energy development, with a land-grant university. At least 80% of hardwood research and promotion funds must be shared equally among qualifying Pennsylvania hardwood groups. Those groups must have existed before the provision took effect.

Funding for state technology and buildings

For fiscal year 2026–2027, the budget secretary must transfer $96.838 million into the Enterprise and Technology Restricted Account. The transfer is due within 60 days after the provision takes effect, using unspent, unencumbered, or uncommitted agency operating funds from 2025–2026 or earlier. The law continuously appropriates $60 million for enterprise systems, $3.7 million for digital services, and $10 million for cybersecurity. It also provides $16.138 million for space optimization and $7 million for SNAP/EBT and CHIP cards.

Local land payments gain inflation adjustments

Counties and affected school districts continue receiving separate annual payments of $3 per acre for covered state conservation land. The payments use money available under 4 Pa.C.S. § 1403, rather than being partly paid by the conservation department. Beginning in fiscal year 2030–2031, covered land payments increase every five years using regional consumer inflation. The index covers Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland. Increases use the State Gaming Fund, Fish and Boat Commission funding share, or Game Fund, depending on the payment.

Local payments for Game Commission land

The law sets annual payments at $3 per acre for land owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Payments from the Pennsylvania Game Fund benefit the county, school district schools, and township where the land lies. The bill summary also provides inflation indexing beginning in fiscal year 2030–2031.

Money moves to State Racing Fund

For fiscal year 2026–2027, Pennsylvania must transfer $16.305 million from the Race Horse Development Fund to the State Racing Fund. This directs money to the receiving fund, not to household payments.

Privacy rules for Turnpike project bidders

The law sets privacy and use rules for alternative project designs submitted to the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission. An unsuccessful bidder's design is not a public record unless the Commission agrees to pay for it. Confidentiality can change when a contract takes effect or a payment agreement is reached, subject to applicable law. The Commission can use submitted proposals or designs under a payment agreement, except where the law bars their transfer.

State agencies can share relocation funding

General Services can distribute part of its rental, relocation, and municipal-charges appropriation to other state agencies. The money covers rent changes and lease or building operating costs caused by relocation or changes in occupied space. The General Services Secretary must approve each distribution and notify specified legislative budget leaders at least 10 days beforehand.

State funding supports municipal pension costs

When covered tax credits are claimed, Pennsylvania must transfer General Fund money to municipal pension and fire insurance tax funds to offset those claims. The state also reimburses municipalities for added unfunded pension liability from the special postretirement adjustment, spread over 10 years. Municipalities must certify prior-year annual costs by April 1; the Auditor General certifies eligible reimbursements by June 1. Temporary aid is available when the Auditor General finds an acute cash shortage directly caused by the adjustment or reimbursement method. That aid is reconciled against later reimbursement.

State removes one permit requirement

The law removes 25 Pa. Code § 287.101(b)(2), a rule concerning general permit requirements. The supplied text does not explain what that rule required or identify the affected permits and activities.

Tourism funds support arts and marketing

Tourist-marketing appropriations fund the state Tourism Office's activities, including statewide marketing. They must also include additional allocations to plan, promote, and hold arts and cultural activities. Those activities must generate statewide and regional economic impact. The law does not specify funding amounts.

Turnpike bidders can receive proposal payments

The Turnpike Commission may reasonably pay an offeror for an alternative technical concept. In two-step procurements, it may also pay part of an unsuccessful, responsible shortlisted offeror’s costs for a responsive proposal. Proposal stipends must be project-specific, appear in procurement documents, and be paid only once to that unsuccessful offeror. The one-payment limit does not apply to alternative technical concept payments.

Turnpike gains another contractor selection method

The Turnpike Commission can use design-build best-value contracting when project complexity, innovation, risk, schedule, or estimated value supports it. This method combines design and construction and considers value when choosing a contractor. Each calendar year, the commission can advertise up to 10 one-step and 10 two-step procurements. Using this method is optional.

Transportation funding provision lasts another year

The law extends a Multimodal Transportation Fund provision through December 31, 2027, instead of December 31, 2026. This keeps the provision available for transportation programs and entities for another year. No new funding amount is stated.

Distressed hospitals get state relief support

Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief funds must include assistance for hospitals and health systems in financial distress. Funds may also support rural health research and alternative payment methods, including data collection and modeling. An affiliated foundation, trust, or nonprofit can apply for a hospital or system only with its authorization. Funding and grant amounts are not specified.

Extra payments for complex nursing care

Qualifying nursing facilities share an additional $500,000 in equal payments. Facilities must remain open on the provision's effective date and payment date. They must have participated in Medical Assistance and qualified for supplemental ventilator and tracheostomy payments in fiscal year 2014–2015. More than 90% of their Medical Assistance residents must have required medically necessary ventilator or tracheostomy care.

Fund transfer supports Medicaid plan payments

For the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, the law transfers $14.3 million from the Joint Underwriting Association to the General Fund. The Commissioner must certify that the money is available. Human Services can use it for Medical Assistance capitation-plan payments only with a General Assembly appropriation. The transfer does not itself change individual eligibility or benefit amounts.

Funding supports burn and trauma care

At least $2 million goes to a general acute care hospital that is a burn center. It must have Pennsylvania Trauma Systems Foundation accreditation for both adult and pediatric trauma care. It must be in a third-class county with 370,000–375,000 people in the 2020 census.

Funding supports child and autism services

At least $3 million goes to an enrolled outpatient therapy provider in a second-class city in a second-class county. The provider must offer children's outpatient behavioral health and medical rehabilitation services. Another $600,000 goes to a health system operating a general acute care hospital and a behavioral health facility with an autism and developmental disabilities center. Those facilities must be in a fifth-class county with 140,000–145,000 people in the latest federal census. These are provider payments, not direct family payments.

Funding supports facial conditions and eye care

The law directs at least $405,000 in Medical Assistance fee-for-service money to cleft palate and other craniofacial services. It also directs at least $1.6 million from those funds to a hospital in a first-class city for clinical eye care. These payments support providers. They do not change patient eligibility or set individual benefit amounts.

Funding supports licenses for qualified midwives

Appropriated Professional Licensure Augmentation Account money must be sufficient for the State Board of Medicine to issue qualifying midwife credentials. Applicants must meet the Medical Practice Act of 1985 requirements for licensed nurse-midwives or certified midwives. This money cannot fund credentials under the former Midwife Regulation Law. No dollar amount is specified.

Health centers receive targeted care funding

The law gives $285,000 each to two first-class city providers focused on primary, dental, and mental health care. One must be enrolled in Medical Assistance as a federally qualified health center and have served 7,800–7,850 patients in 2024. The other must be enrolled as a health center look-alike and have served 8,900–8,950 patients in 2024. Patient counts come from the federal Health Resources and Services Administration. Payments go to providers, not patients.

Higher payments for home care providers

The law directs at least $836,000 to raise Medical Assistance fee-for-service rates for direct nursing by registered and licensed practical nurses. Covered home- and community-based services use billing codes G0299 U8 and G0300 U8; facility care is excluded. Beginning January 1, 2027, another $3.5 million supports a 3.9% rate increase for Living Independence for the Elderly providers. These payments go to providers, not directly to patients.

Hospital and teaching-care funding benchmarks

Community access hospital grants follow fiscal year 2014–2015 formulas. If less money is available than that year, hospitals share the available amount proportionally. Qualifying physician practice plans funded in 2017–2018 must receive at least that year's state amount when funded again. Qualifying academic medical centers funded in 2017–2018 must receive the same state amount as that year.

Hospital funding supports areas after closures

At least $5 million supports acute care general hospitals affected by a third-class city hospital closure in a home rule second-class A county. Of that money, 60% goes to an eligible hospital in a second-class township and 40% to eligible hospitals in contiguous boroughs there. A separate $1 million goes to a hospital providing emergency or hospital services in a county meeting that closure description. Another $430,000 goes to a first-class city hospital with 460–475 patient beds to provide services in a home rule second-class A county. The money goes to hospitals, not households.

Loan repayment and support for doctors

The law reserves at least $3.451 million for primary care loan repayment grants to qualifying practitioners. It also reserves at least $1.5 million for the Pennsylvania Academy of Family Physicians’ residency expansion program. Another minimum of $1.3 million supports the Academy’s family physician recruitment and retention programs. These funds go to practitioners and programs, not directly to patients.

Medical research receives funding and extensions

Recipients of Chapter 9 Tobacco Settlement Act research grants get a one-year extension when they request one. This is not limited to pediatric cancer grants awarded before fiscal year 2025–2026. Biotechnology funds support regenerative medicine and medical technology; hepatitis, viral, and drug research; and cancer clinical trials. They also support genetic and molecular disease research, vaccine immune-response testing, nanotechnology, and bringing applied research into use. No biotechnology allocation amounts are specified.

Multi-campus hospital receives targeted grant funding

Subject to federal approval, at least $2 million goes to a general acute care hospital meeting several requirements. As of 2023–2024, it must be in a third-class city in a third-class county, with same-license acute care campuses in a sixth-class county. It must have Level 1 trauma accreditation and Children's Hospital Association membership, as determined when paid. It must also meet the medical school location requirement in a municipality with fewer than 5,000 residents in the 2020 census. Its federally reported low-income utilization rate must be 20%.

Nursing facilities get Medicaid incentive funding

The law allocates $21 million for Medical Assistance day-one incentive payments to qualifying nonpublic nursing facilities. Federal approval of necessary Medicaid state-plan changes is required. Facilities must qualify under the Human Services Code's payment method and criteria. Occupancy calculations use resident-day quarters ending December 31, 2019, for the first payment and March 31, 2020, for the second.

Payments support inpatient mental health facilities

The law directs $500,000 to a nonpublic inpatient behavioral health facility in a third-class county. That county must have 325,000–330,000 people in the latest federal census. Another $600,000 goes to an inpatient psychiatric hospital with 70–75 licensed beds in a first-class township. Its second-class A county must have more than 850,000 people in the 2020 census. These payments go to facilities and do not change patient eligibility.

Payments support specialized nursing care facilities

The law directs an additional $250,000 payment to a nursing facility in a first-class township in a second-class A county. It also directs an additional $250,000 to a facility in a first-class city that began operating after December 31, 2017. Each facility must remain open on the provision's effective date. At least 90% of its Medical Assistance residents must have needed medically necessary ventilator or tracheostomy care on August 1, 2022. Payments go to facilities, not residents.

PennCare funds cannot cover administrative costs

The Department of Aging cannot use money appropriated for PennCare to pay administrative costs. The law does not require another specific use or state how much money is affected.

Rural hospitals receive one-time stabilization funding

Human Services must use $10 million for one-time inpatient stabilization payments to eligible rural hospitals. Hospitals must be in fourth- through eighth-class counties and operating with inpatient general acute care when paid. The department must base payments on the specified audited hospital cost report and seek federal matching funds. It can request audit documents from hospitals receiving payments.

Targeted grants support local hospital services

At least $2 million goes to an acute care hospital in a third-class city with 14,000–15,000 people. Its third-class county must have 350,000–360,000 people, using the latest federal census for both counts. Another $3.275 million goes to a general acute hospital in a second-class A city in a third-class county. That hospital must have 175–200 licensed inpatient beds.

Targeted payments support nursing home care

The law directs $1.5 million to a nonpublic nursing home in a home rule second-class A county. It must have more than 126 beds and a Medicaid acuity score of 0.89 on February 1, 2023. Another $1.5 million goes to a nonprofit skilled nursing home in a second-class A city in a third-class county. Its Medicaid acuity score must have been 1.11 on February 1, 2023. A nonpublic skilled nursing home in a third-class county gets $1 million with fewer than 50 beds and a Medicaid acuity score of 1.03 on April 1, 2025.

Two nursing homes keep funding floors

A qualifying county nursing home must receive at least its fiscal year 2014–2015 distribution. It must be in a second-class A home rule county, with more than 725 beds. Its Medicaid acuity score must have been 0.79 on August 1, 2015. A qualifying nonpublic home in a first-class county must receive at least its fiscal year 2020–2021 amount. That home must have more than 395 beds and a Medicaid acuity score of 1.06 on August 1, 2022.

Remaining grants directed to housing projects

The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency must use remaining grant funds for eligible housing-related projects under federal funding rules. This overrides the state restrictions identified in the provision. The law does not specify the remaining amount or create a direct household payment.

Cheyney academy receives dedicated state funding

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency allocates $500,000 from the Higher Education Assistance Fund to Cheyney University's Keystone Academy. The law does not set individual student awards or eligibility rules.

Funding floor for qualifying private schools

Qualifying approved private schools receive at least 175% of their fiscal year 2015–2016 allocation. To qualify, a school's day tuition must have been determined to be below $32,000 in the 2010–2011 school year. The provision does not state current dollar allocations.

Funding supports agricultural education programs

At least $250,000 from the Department of Agriculture's operating appropriation goes to the Commission for Agricultural Education Excellence. The commission uses it to develop and carry out agricultural education programs.

Funding supports deaf and blind schools

Pennsylvania-chartered schools for deaf and blind children share $1 million equally for capital costs and deferred maintenance. After the year's final tuition payment, the remaining appropriation balance covers increased required school employee retirement contributions. Money reserved for capital costs and deferred maintenance is excluded from that balance. Each school's retirement-cost share is based on its prior-year contributions.

Grants support worker training and education

At least $8 million from Pennsylvania First funding goes to workforce training grants through WEDnetPA's network of education providers. That network includes state system universities, Pennsylvania College of Technology, and community colleges. Workforce development funding must follow the same recipient shares used in fiscal year 2022–2023. Job training and education funding supports grants for job training, dual enrollment, or other education programs. Individual awards and eligibility are not stated.

Higher preschool grants through Pre-K Counts

Pre-K Counts grants per student increase by 1.163% over the amounts paid in fiscal year 2025–2026. The provision does not state the resulting dollar amount per student. This is program funding, not a direct payment to parents.

Internship grants can also fund seminars

Money appropriated for Pennsylvania Internship Program grants can support both internships and seminars. The law broadens permitted uses but does not set a funding total or individual participant payment.

Local education providers keep prior funding

Each entity funded for regional community college services in fiscal year 2022–2023 receives the same amount again. Each community education council funded that year also receives its prior amount. The law does not state the total funding or provide direct student payments.

More school solar costs qualify

Solar for Schools grants can cover power purchase agreement costs and outside technical help. Applicant-owned support buildings, including bus garages and district offices, also qualify. Approved projects can receive up to 75% of eligible costs. After applications have been open six months, funds may be awarded first-come, first-served without the geographic spread requirement.

School transportation money stays protected

Public entities cannot redirect Pennsylvania's pupil transportation appropriation to another purpose. The law protects that funding's use but does not state its amount.

Bird flu planning help for farms

For fiscal year 2026–2027, Agriculture must use available bird flu funds allocated before 2024–2025 for outreach and education. The work supports biosecurity plans, emergency response planning, and best management practices. Allocations cannot exceed $2 million for agricultural centers of excellence and $3 million for a Pennsylvania land-grant university.

Grants can promote Pennsylvania farm products

The Department of Agriculture can award grants from the Pennsylvania Preferred and Pennsylvania Preferred Organic trademark licensing fund. Grants must support the program objectives listed in state law. The provision does not set grant amounts or recipient eligibility rules.

New funding for startups and careers

The Innovate in PA 2.0 Program Fund receives net proceeds from program tax credit sales. It supports venture funds, life sciences and biotech business grants, career partnerships, regional venture studios, and efforts leveraging federal funding and innovation. Venture studio grants emphasize rural and economically disadvantaged areas. Career partnerships support secondary-school opportunities, including for historically underrepresented students and students from economically disadvantaged communities. The Department must publish written guidelines setting distribution percentages for each purpose.

New local tax zone for businesses

Pennsylvania can designate one additional business tax zone covering 15 to 25 acres. It must include an area in a second-class township in a second-class A county with 60,000 to fewer than 65,000 residents in 2020. Businesses and affiliates in the zone can receive Keystone Opportunity Zone tax breaks for 10 years, with sales tax exemptions starting upon designation. An economic development authority or its designee must apply by October 1, 2027. The Department must act by December 31, 2027.

No local tax on free resort admission

Municipalities receiving state funding cannot impose amusement tax on complimentary or resort-sponsored admission provided to overnight resort guests. Guests must pay no separate amusement admission charge. The restriction lasts unless the Local Tax Enabling Act is amended to allow the tax.

Ten-year tax breaks for shipbuilding businesses

Pennsylvania can designate one additional shipbuilding tax zone of up to 350 acres in a first-class city and county. Eligible land must be deteriorated, underused, or unoccupied, formerly used for a naval base or commercial shipbuilding, and not already designated as an expansion zone. Applications are due October 1, 2026; designation takes effect August 1, 2027, with 10-year tax breaks and sales tax exemptions beginning upon designation. Participating businesses must be authorized in Pennsylvania, operate commercial shipbuilding in the zone, and meet the program's business requirements. Their agreements must commit them and their affiliates to invest $100 million within five years, create 250 full-time jobs within five years, maintain those jobs five more years, and conduct shipbuilding for at least 10 years.

Federal eligibility checks govern covered benefits

Covered payments and providers must follow federal rules on noncitizens' eligibility for public benefits and eligibility checks. The provision cites 8 U.S.C. §§ 1611, 1612, and 1642. It does not identify the affected payments or recipients.

Higher local services taxes for workers

A qualifying second-class A city can levy a local services tax without court approval, capped at $156 per year. This authority depends on the city's tax authorization history and moderate, severe, or minimal pension distress status. Revenue above $52 must pay down unfunded pension debt. A city cannot charge above $52 when its nonresident income tax exceeds statutory maximum rates. Under the minimal-distress authority, a city no longer in distress cannot charge above $52 beyond three full calendar years after the minimal-distress declaration.

Environmental fund transfers paused two years

The law blocks one funding stream for the Environmental Stewardship Fund in fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027. During those years, Oil and Gas Lease Fund money cannot reach that fund through the Marcellus Legacy Fund. The law does not state how much money these blocked transfers represent.

Paid parole officials face outside-work limits

Paid Pennsylvania Parole Board members cannot hold another public office during their service. Other business, professional work, or employment requires prior approval from the Office of General Counsel. Approval requires a finding that the activity fits their official duties and creates no conflict of interest.

Lawmakers must approve certain Medicaid additions

The Department of Human Services cannot add nonmedically necessary Medicaid services needing a supplemental appropriation without General Assembly approval. Proposed additions must appear in the Governor's executive budget or written updates. Department appropriations cannot fund the barred additions. This limits agency authority; it does not create a payment duty for Medicaid recipients.

Medicaid ride funds become last resort

The state can use Medical Assistance transportation funds only as a payment of last resort for eligible recipients. Other payment sources must be considered first. This limits the state's use of the money; it does not create a new payment duty for patients.

Housing funds can cover state administration

Pennsylvania can use up to 3% of money received under the federal Housing and Community Development Act for administration. This changes the state's permitted use of those funds. It does not require households to pay a fee.

Caps on rural investment tax credits

The Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit program has separate $60 million caps on approved credit-eligible contributions and tax credit certificates. Starting in fiscal year 2020–2021, annual credit use is capped at $12 million. Credits carried forward do not count toward that annual limit.

Cigarette agents face tighter sourcing rules

Licensed cigarette stamping agents can buy cigarettes only directly from manufacturers or from related suppliers that bought directly from manufacturers. Agents cannot otherwise sell unstamped cigarettes to another cigarette dealer. The law does not specify a change in cigarette taxes or retail prices.

Penalties for missed investment credit payments

An Innovate in PA 2.0 buyer missing a capital contribution deadline owes 10% of the unpaid amount and cannot receive a credit certificate. The penalty is due within 30 days after demand. The Department can reallocate the unpaid amount and waive the penalty when another qualified taxpayer contributes it. A buyer can also avoid the penalty by transferring its allocation within 30 days after the installment due date. The qualified replacement must agree to contribute the required capital within 30 days after transfer.

Rural investment credits require February filing

Applicants for Rural Jobs and Investment Tax Credit certificates must file by February 1. Applications cover eligible capital contributions made in the previous calendar year. The deadline applies to both Program One and Program Two.

Child care bonus deadlines change

The Department of Human Services has 60 days, rather than 45, to approve or deny covered child care staff program applications. Qualified child care providers must pay retention bonuses to qualified staff within 45 days after receiving the program payment. These rules allow a longer application review but set a firm deadline for getting funded bonuses to workers.

Farm residuals help and certification rules

The state must provide education and technical help on food processing residuals used in farming. Existing normal farming operations adopting best practices can receive financial help only to the extent funds are available. Agriculture officials must establish certification terms, fees, training, and testing criteria for covered people storing, transferring, transporting, or spreading residuals. Qualifying Pennsylvania training programs may be approved. Compliance must receive appropriate weight as a mitigating factor in related legal actions for farm operators and properly certified, compliant haulers and brokers.

Farm residual inspections and fines authorized

Farms must allow authorized state or conservation district agents reasonable-time access for food-residual investigations and enforcement, without interference. Agents must take reasonable disease-prevention steps requested by the operator. Civil fines can reach $500 for the first day and $100 for each continuing day. Fine amounts must consider seriousness, potential harm, intent, past violations, and financial gains from noncompliance; unpaid fines can become property liens. A warning can replace a fine only when no health or environmental harm occurred and the offender acts immediately to comply.

Farms face new food residual rules

The State Conservation Commission must set science-based rules for using food processing leftovers on farms, covering nutrients, contaminants, storage, and application. Farms must maintain site-specific land application systems with records, expected annual amounts, and application methods, available for state review. Manure rules apply when manure is mixed with leftovers or used on the same land. Operators must file notices before use, listing monthly amounts, test results, acreage, operator details, and a signed compliance statement. Notices last three years or until the system changes; incomplete notices may need resubmission, and state rules override local ordinances.

Fire and ambulance loans have limits

Fire and emergency medical service companies can finance facilities up to the lesser of $750,000 or 50% of cost. Listed limits include $375,000 or 50% of cost for firefighting apparatus, and $750,000 for aerial apparatus. Ambulances and light-duty rescue vehicles have a $200,000 limit; rescue watercraft have a $75,000 or 50%-of-cost limit. Protective, accessory, and communications equipment have a $75,000 limit and require a notarized financial statement. Maximum terms are 10 years through $50,000, 20 years above $50,000 through $300,000, and 30 years above $300,000. All loan limits rise with inflation each January 1, beginning January 1, 2028. Protective equipment must meet State Fire Commissioner standards and contain no PFAS chemicals. Repairs must bring noncompliant apparatus into National Fire Protection Association compliance; used equipment must meet those standards, subject to the statutory exception.

Food residual haulers face certification rules

Commercial food-residual haulers and brokers need Pennsylvania certification before storing, transferring, transporting, or applying residuals, regardless of origin. They must follow approved land application systems and keep records for three years, available for state review. Violations can bring certification suspension or revocation and fines up to $1,000 initially and $500 for each continuing day. Fines must reflect seriousness, potential harm, intent, past violations, and financial gains; warnings require no harm and prompt correction. The state can sue for damages or court orders; courts must issue preliminary injunctions upon finding unlawful conduct or immediate or irreparable public harm.

State controls farm food residual rules

Covered food processing residuals are excluded from residual-waste rules under the Solid Waste Management Act, including section 501(a). The exclusion ends if the Environmental Quality Board classifies them as hazardous. Local governments cannot separately regulate their use in normal farming or commercial haulers and brokers. The state may use Nutrient Management Fund money to carry out the food-residuals law, with no required spending amount.

Well operators gain drilling and cleanup exemptions

Qualifying wells aimed mainly at the Utica Shale or deeper formations are exempt from the 330-foot lease-boundary setback. They must reach the Onondaga or deeper horizons, or 3,800 feet, whichever is deeper. No spacing order or pending spacing application can apply; permits and an application with the department's plat remain required. Separately, specified lawful well cleanup and related work within 300 feet of an occupied home is not treated as surface mining. That classification applies even on mining-permitted land or when the work supports future coal extraction.

Well plugging requires cement and monitoring

Covered wells need at least a 50-foot cement plug at the reachable bottom, with depth and effectiveness checks. The remaining well bore must be cement-plugged to the surface. Operators stopping at reachable bottom after reasonable efforts must report failed cleanout efforts and methods tried within 90 days. They must monitor at least once before final site restoration and immediately report signs of vertical fluid or gas flow. Reasonable-effort requirements cover specified orphan and abandoned wells, including qualifying plugging orders, with exclusions for specified gas-storage wells and protective areas.

Pennsylvania repeals old midwife regulation law

The law repeals Pennsylvania's Midwife Regulation Law of April 4, 1929. The supplied provision does not describe the removed requirements or replacement rules. It does not establish how costs, midwife practice, or access to care change.

School safety funding rule is suspended

Fiscal Code Section 1795.2-E does not apply during fiscal years 2024–2025 through 2028–2029. The supplied provision does not explain the suspended requirements. It therefore does not establish how school funding or family services change.

Data center reports fund electric aid

Pennsylvania facilities mainly housing working servers or similar data storage systems must report when peak electricity demand reaches 10 megawatts. Reports to the Department of Environmental Protection cover the prior year's energy and water use, efficiency, environmental protections, and projected demand. The first report is due July 1, 2027, with reports due each July 1 afterward. Proprietary information stays private, while combined, anonymous data must be public. Missing reports trigger a $10,000 daily penalty until filing; proceeds support the low-income electric assistance program serving the facility.

Housing relief funds shift to corrections

The Housing Finance Agency must transfer $11.789348 million from specified pandemic development and construction programs by September 10, 2026. The money moves to the COVID-19 Response Restricted Account and is appropriated to the Department of Corrections for specified statutory purposes. The treasurer must transfer covered program money still unspent on December 11, 2026, by December 18, 2026. Covered money must be spent by December 31, 2026.

Tobacco settlement debt gets funding priority

For fiscal years 2025–2026 and 2026–2027, Pennsylvania must deposit money equal to certified annual debt service into the Tobacco Settlement Fund. The deposit comes from specified tax collections and must precede specified other deposits and transfers. It is due by April 30 following the start of each fiscal year.

Power line technology reviews and requirements

Applicants filing covered power transmission siting applications or notification letters must report their assessment of advanced transmission technologies. When the technology under review increases capacity, applicants must make reasonable efforts to notify known infrastructure operators within or beside the right-of-way. Notice does not require proprietary or security-sensitive disclosures and does not change federal pipeline safety duties. The Public Utility Commission may require technology integration when record evidence shows it serves the public interest and addresses the project’s need.

ALS service grants can change shares

Grants for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis support services no longer have to follow fiscal year 2024–2025 funding shares. This allows the state to change how money is divided among grantees. The law sets no replacement formula and does not change the total appropriation.

Nursing home compliance and improvement rules

The state checks nursing home compliance using specified operating, rent, administrative, and resident-care costs reported on MA-11 forms. This covers enrolled county and nonpublic homes, including those linked to continuing care retirement communities. A specified penalty uses the facility's rate at the reporting period's end, not its June 30, 2022 rate. The referenced penalty provision expires December 31, 2031. Quality Improvement Fund money can also support nursing home improvements or innovation.

Nursing home rates get temporary floor

Beginning January 1, 2027, the state's payment adjustment factor for nonpublic nursing homes cannot fall below 0.86. The rule ends June 30, 2028, or earlier when a replacement rate system starts. The statewide average payment rate remains limited by yearly appropriations. Needed changes to the state's Medicaid plan require federal approval.

Trauma funding shifts to higher-level hospitals

Money otherwise designated for Level III trauma centers or hospitals seeking that status goes to Level I and II centers instead. The law changes which hospitals receive the money. It does not state the amount redirected.

Turnpike contracts follow specified labor rules

Covered Turnpike project agreements follow applicable design, construction, operation, and financing laws in effect when the agreement is fully signed. These include the Separations Act and Pennsylvania Prevailing Wage Act. Only specified parts of the state's procurement law apply to the article.

Aligned location rules for local sales taxes

Local sales taxes in first-class cities and second-class counties use the same sale-location rule as Pennsylvania's state sales tax. Exceptions under Article II-A of the Tax Reform Code still apply. This changes which local tax applies to a sale, not the tax rate.

Updated city business taxable income rules

Businesses subject to a first-class city's business income and receipts tax use updated rules to calculate net income. The rules address federal tax treatment of research expenses, qualified production property expenses, and interest deductions. Specified later state taxable-income changes also apply. The provision does not establish whether a particular business pays more or less.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Lisa Baker
Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

Camera Bartolotta
Republican • Senate
Devlin J. Robinson
Republican • Senate
Frank A. Farry
Republican • Senate
Jay Costa
Democratic • Senate
Lindsey Marie Williams
Democratic • Senate
Michele Brooks
Republican • Senate
Patrick J. Stefano
Republican • Senate
Rosemary M. Brown
Republican • Senate
Sharif Street
Democratic • Senate
Tracy Pennycuick
Republican • Senate
Wayne D. Fontana
Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 841 • No: 2

committee vote • 7/12/2026

17 0

Yes: 17 • No: 0

committee vote • 7/11/2026

36 1

Yes: 36 • No: 1