The House and Senate again met for session weeks this month, but once again left town without a Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget deal. Coupled with the federal government shutdown, programs counted on by many Pennsylvanians are of serious concern. How the state reacts to these challenges remains to be seen. After numerous hours of closed-door meetings between legislative leaders and Governor Shapiro, rumors suggest that a deal may be close at hand. Included in that agreement appears to be a full exit from RGGI, among other Republican priorities. If an agreement is reached, look for the House and Senate to return before their stated November 17 session date, though the November 4 elections and November 11 Veterans Day holiday pose some obstacles to an early return as well.

The Senate passed a sweeping permitting reform measure championed by Sens. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) and Greg Rothman (R- Cumberland, Perry and Dauphin) to bring greater accountability, transparency, and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications on October 22. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system, and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable.

“When permitting is unpredictable, so is investment,” said Phillips-Hill. “By passing this bill in the Senate, we’re sending a strong message that delays and inaction are no longer acceptable. We are saying Pennsylvania is open for business.”

The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program, championed by Phillips-Hill and Rothman and enacted in last year’s budget, which required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies, ensuring these reforms last well beyond any one administration.

“Transparency and accountability in the permitting process will provide needed certainty, reduce delays, and encourage investment in Pennsylvania,” Rothman said. “These reforms will both transform and grow the Pennsylvania economy.”

The legislation also codifies key elements of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Executive Order, ensuring these reforms are locked into law and will outlast any single administration.

The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The committee held a public hearing on October 22 to discuss HB1834 and solutions for data center challenges. The Data Center Act provides for regulation of commercial data centers by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, for recovery of costs, for contributions to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, for renewable energy requirements and for filing and enforcement; establishes the Data Center LIHEAP Enhancement Fund; and imposes duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and the Department of Human Services. The bill permits the commission to promulgate temporary regulations no later than 90 days after the effective date. It prohibits public utilities from recovering costs that are directly attributable to the provision of electric service to a commercial data center from ratepayers. Directs public utilities that enter into a contract with a commercial data center to ensure that not less than 25% of the electricity supplied is generated from a renewable energy source.

Chairman Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) opened the discussion by acknowledging the economic benefits of data centers but also expressed concern over their energy demands and the potential for rising utility bills for families and small businesses. She emphasized the need for proactive measures to address potential energy shortfalls and price increases and stressed the importance of bipartisan efforts.

Minority Chairman Martin Causer (R-McKean) highlighted the economic opportunities data centers present for Pennsylvania and emphasized the state’s natural resources and workforce. He advocated for an energy policy that supports industry growth without excessive regulation or taxation. Chairman Causer mentioned he had concerns about HB 1834 but looked forward to hearing the testimony.

Chairman Fiedler introduced Rep. Robb Matzie (D-Beaver), the prime sponsor of HB 1834. She acknowledged Rep. Matzie’s tenure as chairman of the House Consumer Protection Committee, with experience in legislation regarding ratepayers. Rep. Matzie outlined his interest in data centers, emphasizing consumer protection and the necessity of data centers for supporting technology without interruption. “I believe it’s our role as policy makers to ensure we have policies in place that make the most sense, promulgate some regulations early from a temporary perspective, and then move forward,” he said. Rep. Matzie agreed with Chairman Causer on the importance of not overregulating.

Chairman Fiedler then announced the first panel.

Dan Diorio, vice president, state policy, Data Center Coalition (DCC), expressed concerns over HB 1834, highlighting the data center industry’s economic role and efficiency. He argued that the bill could undermine the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s (PUC) authority to set fair and transparent utility rates. Diorio mentioned it could unfairly target the data center industry without a clear cost-based justification. He emphasized data centers’ commitment to paying their full electricity costs and supporting the clean energy transition. Diorio warned that HB 1834 could create regulatory uncertainty that discourages future investment.

Dr. Amy Brinton, director, government affairs, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry (PA Chamber), emphasized the importance of data centers for Pennsylvania’s economic and technological advancement. She said the state’s “abundant energy resources, robust infrastructure [and] skilled workforce” make it well-positioned to lead in digital infrastructure development. Brinton mentioned that energy reliability and generation shortfalls must be addressed through an “all-of-the-above” energy strategy.  She advocated for balancing industry growth with environmental stewardship and stressed the need for “smart planning and policies” to ensure long-term economic growth and a resilient electric grid.

Rob Bair, president, Pennsylvania Building and Construction Trades Council, discussed the building trades’ support for data centers, emphasizing the need for safe and responsible construction, and the potential of Pennsylvania as a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) and data center development due to its unique assets. He expressed concerns about mandatory green energy requirements disincentivizing smaller projects and supported PUC’s involvement in rate structuring. Bair advocated for collaborative efforts to build out generation capacity and address energy shortfalls.

Chairman Fiedler questioned the potential “speculative bubble” in data center development and the level of transparency expected from developers. Diorio emphasized the importance of accurate forecasting in data center development to avoid speculation, mentioning a 69% increase in construction from May 2023 to May 2024, totaling $27 billion. He highlighted the industry’s commitment to working with utilities and regulators to ensure project certainty. Lucas Fykes, director of energy policy, DCC, discussed the importance of accurate load forecasting to avoid over- or under-forecasting, outlining best practices for improving forecasting. He advocated for collaboration among all entities involved to reduce speculation and ensure realistic development trajectories. Diorio highlighted the increasing need for digital infrastructure due to the growing number of connected devices, emphasizing its importance in supporting everyday conveniences and significant applications of AI in various sectors.

Chairman Causer asked Diorio to elaborate on the “chilling effects” certain provisions in HB 1834 might have and how the bill's enactment might differ from legislation in other states. Diorio explained the proposed bill’s effects due to its prescriptive nature, highlighting concerns over mandatory curtailment and the impact on renewable energy initiatives. He emphasized the importance of not treating data centers differently from other industries and expressed worry that the legislation could introduce uncertainty and unpredictability. Diorio noted concerns about proposed legislation targeting data centers in Pennsylvania, suggesting it could deter industry investment and recommending that regulatory bodies handle such matters instead of legislation. He compared the situation to Oregon, which has passed similar legislation.

Chairman Causer stated his opposition to following Oregon’s legislative example regarding data centers. Diorio advised against adopting legislation similar to Oregon’s, indicating it would not benefit Pennsylvania.

Rep. Jose Giral (D-Philadelphia) questioned the commitment to gas generation given the wait time for gas turbines. He mentioned the potential for discussing small modular reactors (SMRs) as an alternative to building more carbon-neutral nuclear plants. Bair emphasized the short-term necessity of gas-fired generation while considering the future potential of SMRs and other nuclear options. He discussed the current wait for turbines, the lack of movement in licensing and permitting for SMRs and the need for partnerships to build nuclear facilities. Bair highlighted the importance of addressing immediate energy needs, utilizing natural gas responsibly and the potential for cleaner energy solutions. He advocated for incentivizing data centers to generate their own power and stressed the importance of not adopting a one-size-fits-all approach to legislation.

Rep. Jamie Barton (R-Schuylkill) highlighted Pennsylvania’s history in energy production and stressed the need for the state to continue being a good environmental steward. He inquired about the potential for air-cooled data centers in Pennsylvania due to concerns about water usage. Diorio discussed innovations in cooling technologies within the data center industry, including the shift towards waterless cooling systems and the use of closed-loop systems that recycle water. He provided an example of a data center in Georgia using reclaimed wastewater for cooling. Rep. Barton asked Brinton about the feasibility of legislation requiring renewable energy to power 25% of data centers and its potential impact on the construction of data centers. Brinton expressed concerns about the feasibility of renewable energy mandates for data centers, emphasizing the importance of energy affordability and reliability for economic competitiveness. She warned that such mandates might distort the energy market and advocated for market-driven energy solutions over mandated targets. Bair expressed concerns about the 25% renewable energy mandate for data centers, noting the challenge for small data centers to meet this requirement and the potential cost increase for consumers from buying renewable energy credits. He advocated for incentivizing green initiatives rather than imposing mandates. Brinton highlighted that Pennsylvania’s electricity market is deregulated, with data centers buying power from competitive suppliers, rather than electric distribution companies (EDCs). She explained this means EDCs cannot guarantee the fuel mix used by these customers.

Rep. Melissa Cerrato (D-Montgomery) asked whether the PA Chamber would support legislation mandating the use of Pennsylvania workers for constructing data center sites to support the state's economy. Brinton stated the need for a detailed review of the proposed legislation. She offered to connect Rep. Cerrato with colleagues who handle workforce and labor policy for further discussion. Diorio addressed Rep. Cerrato's inquiry by emphasizing the data center industry's reliance on local skilled trades for construction and maintenance. He highlighted the industry's investment in workforce development and the mutual benefits for the industry and local workers. Bair mentioned his support for Sen. Devlin Robinson’s (R-Allegheny) upcoming legislation addressing workforce development and the use of Pennsylvania workers for data center construction. He emphasized the need for a large workforce due to simultaneous development projects and his collaboration on workforce and economic development.

Chairman Fiedler asked Diorio to clarify his statement on employing out-of-state workers for construction projects. “The question was about whether workers from other states are commonly used to do the construction of these projects,” she said. “Were you saying that that is not something that occurs frequently?” Diorio said data center companies might bring in out-of-state workers if there's a local workforce shortage and mentioned policy issues in other states have led workers to seek employment in states with active projects.

Rep. Dallas Kephart (R-Clearfield) invited DCC to the 73rd District, highlighting the abundance of energy, jobs and revenue in Pennsylvania. He suggested removing mandates and enacting permitting reform to lower energy costs. Rep. Kephart questioned the impact of data centers developing in neighboring states and mentioned companies could be “scared off” from investing in Pennsylvania due to HB 1834. Diorio mentioned that the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland Interconnection (PJM) is a regional energy grid, and Pennsylvania would not be able to regulate data centers in other states. “It is all the more reason for Pennsylvania to stay competitive and to have that data center development here at home,” he continued.

Stephen DeFrank, chairman, PUC, testified about PUC’s focus on data center proliferation and its impact on the electric grid. He discussed a hearing aimed at addressing interconnection and tariffs for large load customers. DeFrank mentioned PUC’s work on a proposed model tariff. He expressed general support for HB 1834 but suggested amendments to ensure flexibility in power procurement for data centers and avoid discrimination.

Brian Thiry, director, strategic engagement, ReliabilityFirst Corporation, stated that Pennsylvania and the broader PJM grid face major reliability challenges as large electricity users like data centers rapidly expand. He highlighted the need for accurate load forecasting and noted that uncertainty in data center growth projections makes it difficult to plan new generation and transmission infrastructure. Thiry discussed load flexibility as a potential tool but cautioned that most data centers require near-constant uptime, limiting how flexible they can be. He warned that unexpected shifts to backup power can strain operations, emphasizing that reliability must remain the foundation of all future energy planning.

Andrew Tubbs, CEO and president, Energy Association of Pennsylvania (EAP), testified on HB 1834, appreciating the legislature’s attention to the data center sector. He highlighted the bill’s principles and suggested refinements in areas like jurisdictional clarity and cost recovery. Tubbs emphasized the need for flexibility and coordination on transmission upgrades and supported state efforts for resource adequacy.

Chairman Fiedler asked Thiry if HB 1834 would enhance utilities’ capability to provide reliable service and inquired about necessary changes to the bill. Thiry emphasized the importance of long-term energy planning, a diverse resource mix and load flexibility. He highlighted the need for transparent conversations around load forecasting and conducting energy assessments to ensure reliability.

Chairman Causer asked for the PUC’s perspective on the overall energy situation, concerns about the proposed bill and how the bill's provisions compare to PUC’s considerations. DeFrank responded that the state faces a potential “30-to-40-gigawatt shortfall” by 2030, which he compared to “an iceberg coming toward us.” He emphasized that accurate load forecasting is essential to understanding how severe the shortage could be. DeFrank said Pennsylvania must take an “all of the above” approach, such as adding new generation, strengthening demand response programs and managing growth from large energy users like data centers. He noted the importance of maintaining reliability and affordability. DeFrank added that PUC’s concern is ensuring developers provide financial deposits to verify proposed projects’ authenticity.

Chairman Causer acknowledged the importance of load forecasting and asked about HB 1834’s provisions regarding the requirement for energy to come from specific sources. DeFrank expressed concerns about the vagueness in the bill regarding who is affected and highlighted the challenge of meeting the 25% renewable energy requirement due to insufficient watts, urging caution. Tubbs emphasized the importance of load forecasting, the conservative approach of his members and the challenges of ensuring accuracy. He detailed the vetting process for developers and raised concerns about the recent 600% increase in capacity prices at PJM auctions. He advocated for addressing the accountability gap in integrated resource planning within HB1924.

Rep. Nathan Davidson (D-Dauphin) emphasized the importance of HB 1834 for staying ahead of emerging industries and protecting commonwealth citizens, suggesting a return to a more balanced energy portfolio, including increasing nuclear power. DeFrank emphasized the importance of maintaining a diverse energy mix, noting the interconnectedness of energy, natural gas and water sectors in Pennsylvania and the potential economic viability of alternative sources like small modular nuclear power. Thiry agreed on the importance of a diverse resource mix for energy reliability, highlighting the risks associated with over-reliance on any single energy source. Tubbs noted the need for dispatchable generation alongside intermittent resources and the progress in gas-electric coordination.

Rep. Mike Armanini (R-Clearfield) highlighted the need for energy solutions to support data centers in Pennsylvania. He asked if on-site energy generation for data centers could ensure their operation without affecting the grid. Thiry stated that onsite generation could help with energy shortfalls but still presents challenges such as supply chain issues and impacts on the grid that need to be addressed. Tubbs discussed the benefits of data centers having their own generation and suggested that requiring this generation to bid into the capacity market could help mitigate capacity increases. He mentioned the positive impact of projects like Homer City in Pennsylvania and the potential for reducing the need for transmission upgrades by locating generation closer to data centers. Rep. Armanini emphasized the importance of supporting the natural gas industry in Pennsylvania and criticized policies moving away from natural gas. He called for legislative efforts to maintain Pennsylvania's energy dominance and warned against overregulation.

Rep. Kyle Donahue (D-Lackawanna) raised concerns about utilities profiting from energy transmission and system upgrades. He questioned whether this creates an incentive to overestimate energy demand growth. Tubbs specified that utilities do not have an incentive to overestimate energy demand as their rates and returns are regulated, aiming for balanced forecasts to avoid negatively impacting their rates. Rep. Donahue inquired about the process utilities follow when approached by data center developers with multiple sites for approval. Tubbs explained that utilities work to maintain accurate forecasts and coordinate with data centers. He emphasized that there is no incentive to overestimate forecasts and the importance of agreements and contracts in signaling commitment from data centers. DeFrank highlighted the role of the tariff in facilitating quicker market access for data centers and protecting ratepayers from costs associated with unmaterialized loads.

Rep. Cerrato expressed concerns about the rising costs of utility bills for seniors on fixed incomes and questioned the justification for any increase in their electric bills due to the establishment of data centers. Tubbs responded that direct costs incurred by a utility to serve a data center should be paid by the data center itself, according to current cost allocation practices. He acknowledged the complexity of explaining these issues to the public. He mentioned that if a substation added for reliability also serves a data center, the cost might be shared, with a significant portion allocated to the data center. Rep. Cerrato asked whether a substation would be necessary if no data center were built, highlighting concerns about infrastructure requirements tied to data center developments. Tubbs explained that if a substation is needed solely because of a data center, the cost would be charged to the data center. He emphasized the importance of addressing constituents' concerns about costs. Rep. Cerrato expressed support for the discussed area but shared apprehensions about ensuring community well-being. Tubbs emphasized the importance of considering reliability, affordability and economic development together.

Joe Bowring, independent market monitor, PJM, testified about the impact of HB 1834 on the PJM wholesale power markets. He emphasized the importance of competitive markets for low-cost, reliable power. Bowring highlighted a shortfall in the PJM capacity market and recommended a load queue for large loads like data centers to ensure reliability and prevent price increases for other customers. He noted that data centers had increased payments by $16.6 billion in the last two capacity auctions. Bowring supported the bill's goal for transparency and an expedited connection process for the new generation but found a 25% renewable requirement inconsistent with current market operations. He mentioned that less than 8% of power was from renewable resources in 2024. Bowring concluded that PUC should decide on detailed requirements for serving data centers.

Darryl Lawrence, consumer advocate, Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocacy (OCA), discussed the economic benefits and risks to ratepayers of large-scale data centers. He supported HB 1834 for its potential to enhance the economy, electric system reliability and rate affordability. Lawrence raised concerns about the predicted explosive growth in demand from data centers. He recommended adding safeguards to HB 1834 to ensure reliable service for existing customers and to integrate state authority with PJM operations. Lawrence proposed revisions to protect consumers, including regulating new data center interconnections and setting utility curtailment priorities, and advocated for alternative backup generation options beyond diesel generators.

Patrick Cicero, of counsel, Pennsylvania Utility Law Project (PULP), emphasized the need to prioritize Pennsylvania residents over data centers due to rising utility costs, referencing an increase in utility terminations and advocating for legislative and administrative actions to mitigate impacts. He supported proposals for large loads, including data centers, to contribute to the cost of universal service programs and proposed a specific contribution to the state LIHEAP fund by data centers based on their load size to support vulnerable households.

Chairman Fiedler asked how many additional families could be helped if more funding were directed to LIHEAP. Cicero responded that even an extra “$1 million per 25 megawatts” of funding would be “a drop in the bucket.” He noted Pennsylvania receives about $200 million annually in federal LIHEAP funds, which only meets a small portion of need. He explained that expanding contributions to universal service programs by requiring large energy users to help fund them would reduce costs for residential ratepayers. Cicero added it wouldn’t necessarily increase the total assistance available. He mentioned both LIHEAP and utility assistance programs “go hand in hand” in helping different groups of households across the state.

Chairman Causer questioned OCA’s support for HB 1834. “I always saw OCA as a nonpartisan office that didn’t really get involved with advocating for bills,” he said. He expressed concerns about its affordability and environmental impact, mentioning “mandatory provisions dealing with where energy has to come from.” Chairman Causer suggested OCA’s priorities might have shifted away from keeping energy costs affordable and ensuring reliability. Lawrence emphasized OCA’s nonpartisan stance and support for ratepayers. He acknowledged some issues with HB 1834 but supported it with amendments and highlighted the importance of the environmental rights amendment. Lawrence mentioned the creation of an internal task force focused on large loads like data centers and expressed willingness to discuss this further.

Chairman Causer reiterated the importance of the consumer advocate's role in remaining nonpartisan and focusing on consumer interests. He expressed concern over past instances of perceived partisanship and suggested that the consumer advocate should oppose costs that consumers will face. Lawrence agreed with Chairman Causer on the importance of OCA remaining nonpartisan and independent. emphasizing his commitment to these principles.

Rep. Mandy Steele (D-Allegheny) highlighted the need for a framework to prevent Pennsylvania residents from bearing the cost of data center buildouts and advocated for the development of utility-scale solar. She mentioned her bill, HB502, is aimed at expediting solar buildouts and suggested that data centers could  support clean energy initiatives. Cicero discussed the uncertain impact of relying solely on PUC’s model tariff and emphasized the importance of legislative support to address the affordability and reliability crisis in Pennsylvania's energy sector. He advocated for a comprehensive approach combining generation strategies with regulatory and legislative actions.

Bowring noted that customers across PJM have incurred over $16 billion in costs due to data center load, which cannot be directly influenced by the PUC. He suggested that increasing generation, specifically by requiring data centers to bring their own generation, could mitigate these cost increases. Lawrence emphasized the importance of legislative action to address potential price increases and stated that the PUC's model large load tariff would not have the same impact as a statute or state law and mentioned its importance in curbing price increases.

Chairman Fiedler highlighted the importance of protecting ratepayers from rising energy costs and meeting growing energy needs. “Thank you to Rep. Matzie for offering this up so we could analyze it, tear it apart in a thoughtful way and build something we might be able to get through,” she said.

Chairman Causer stressed the importance of maintaining energy supply and controlling costs for Pennsylvanians. He expressed his appreciation for the valuable information provided by the testifiers.

Testimony: file:///M:/Ted/October%202025%20Legislative%20Reports/House%20Energy%20Committee%2010-22-25%20hearing%20testimony%20on%20data%20centers.pdf

SB160 RE: General Appropriation Act of 2025. (by Sen. Scott Martin)

Provides appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of federal and state funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. Section 8101 shall take effect immediately. The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1, 2025, or immediately, whichever is later.

Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 10/1/2025 

Re-reported as amended from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House,

10/8/2025 

Referred to Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 10/20/2025 

Motion to revert to Prior Printer's No. 529 adopted, and re-reported on concurrence, as amended, from Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 10/21/2025 

Senate concurred in House amendments, as amended by the Senate, 10/21/2025 (27-23)

Referred to House Rules Committee, 10/29/2025 

HR271 RE: Indoor Air Quality Study Resolution (by Rep. Jessica Benham, et al)

A Resolution directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee and conduct a comprehensive study regarding the indoor air quality for seniors and children in this commonwealth. Adds advisory committee members to include a representative from the Department of Labor and Industry and at least one representative from five nongovernmental organizations representing expertise in public health, green building, construction trades, long-term care and K-12 education.

Adopted, 10/8/2025 (108-95)

SB867 RE: Resolving Pennsylvania's Accessibility Code Dilemma (by Sen. Christine Tartaglione, et al)

Amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions and for Accessibility Advisory Board; in Uniform Construction Code, further providing for adoption by regulations and for revised or successor codes; in training and certification of inspectors, further providing for education and training programs; and establishing the Accessibility Advisory Board Administration Account. Provides definitions for “accessibility code” and “updated accessibility code sections.” Stipulates that seven members of the Accessibility Advisory Board be appointed by the secretary. Increases term lengths to four years. Asserts that any member absent from three consecutive voting meetings may be dismissed and the vacancy will be filled in the same manner as the appointment of the absent member, unless the secretary, upon written request from the member, finds the member should be excused from a meeting. Directs the advisory board to review the e accessibility code and submit a report to the secretary with sections of the accessibility code that are specified for adoption or modification. Specifies the review process. Directs the department to adopt the advisory board’s decisions contained in the report without change within nine months of receiving the report. Asserts that the regulations will take effect 33 months after the commencement of the review. Establishes the Accessibility Advisory Board Administration Account within the State Treasury.

Reported as committed from Senate Labor and Industry Committee, and read first time, 10/22/2025

Read second time, and re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 10/27/2025

Re-reported from Senate Appropriations Committee, 10/28/2025

SB6 RE: Transparency in Permitting (by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, et al)

The Permit Administration and Economic Development Act provides for the administration of permits by state agencies, for a tracking system for permit applications, for the establishment of permit programs, for third-party review of permit decision delays and for annual reports; establishes the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity and the Economic Development Strategy Group; and provides for their powers and duties. Provides definitions. Requires that no later than 60 days after the effective date of the act, the state agencies must review the permit decisions and delays during the immediately preceding calendar year and submit a report. Outlines the list of permits required for publication and adds a time requirement of no later than 90 days for the completion of the initial list. Requires agencies to establish and maintain a publicly available tracking system for permit applications and outlines notice and system content requirements. Establishes notice of incomplete and technically deficient application requirements. Outlines the time limit and the tolling period. Establishes notice of permit changes and expiration requirements and provides for the validity of permits. Requires state agencies to establish a program to review and resolve issues causing permit decision delays, allowing for third-party contracts. Outlines the review, issuance and approval process. Establishes annual reporting requirements and outlines the content. Establishes the Pennsylvania Office of Transformation and Opportunity to facilitate the implementation of transformational economic development projects. Provides for the duties of the office, including creating a systematic process to monitor the progress of economic development projects, establishing and monitoring the progress of additional projects, working in partnership with the department, establishing objectives and targets, establishing and monitoring time-based standards, working in partnership with the department and all relevant state agencies. Outlines the staffing and administration requirements and establishes reporting requirements due December 31, 2027, and each December 31 thereafter. Establishes the Economic Development Strategy Group within the Governor’s Office. Outlines membership criteria and prohibits compensation of members

Reported as committed from Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee, and read first time, 10/20/2025 

Read second time, re-referred to, and re-reported as amended from, Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 10/21/2025 

Re-referred to and re-reported as committed from Senate Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed Senate, 10/22/2025 (28-22)

Referred to House Intergovernmental Affairs and Operations Committee, 10/23/2025 

SB1048 RE: Environmental Justice Permits (by Sen. Arthur L Haywood, et al)

Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), providing for issuance of permits in environmental justice areas. Adds definitions. Outlines the permit processes and requirements, including a cumulative environmental impact report and a public hearing within the environmental justice area. Prohibits the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) from issuing a decision on the permit application until at least 60 days after the public hearing and allows it to require additional conditions or mitigation measures. Provides for the publication of copies of applications other than the clerk of the environmental justice area. Adds that the provisions of this section are in addition to all requirements under applicable environmental law. Asserts that DEP and the Environmental Quality Board shall promulgate rules and regulations and requires the publication of permits on DEP’s website.

Referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 10/15/2025

HB1949 RE: Establishing the Federal Grant Requirements Act

The Federal Grant Requirements Act provides for contract requirements and procurement guidelines relating to federal grant awards. Provides definitions. Provides language for grant contracts with government agencies that are funded either partially or wholly by federal funds, including pass-through funds. Asserts that grant recipients will follow federal procurement guidelines as identified in 2 CFR 200.320 (relating to procurement methods).

Referred to House State Government Committee, 10/16/2025

HB1701 RE: Creating a School Facilities Inventory within the PA Department of Education (by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler, et al)

Amends the Public School Code, in grounds and buildings, further providing for referendum or public hearing required prior to construction or lease; providing an article for school facilities; establishing the Public School Facility Advisory Committee; in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, repealing provisions relating to building condition assessments; and imposing duties on the Department of Education (PDE). Includes the addition of administrative space as a secondary building as part of the applicable aggregate building expenditure standard for the total amount calculated for each building or substantial addition. Adds article VII-A and provides several definitions. Establishes the powers and duties of PDE. Stipulates the collection of information from each public school facility. Outlines required information. Requires PDE to develop a form and electronic process for each school entity to submit the required information no later than April 1, 2027, and for each school entity to submit the information no later than December 31, 2027. Permits the provision of technical assistance. Mandates updating inventories beginning with the 2028-2029 school year and every three years thereafter. Establishes the duties of the Public School Facility Advisory Committee. Details the committee’s member composition. Outlines the frequency of committee meetings. Asserts that the members serve without compensation but are reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Mandates the development of a statewide facility condition assessment. Provides applicability of the assessment. Requires reporting and lists the required contents. Stipulates that within one year of its receipt of a facility condition assessment under section 705-A(c), each school entity shall develop a plan for the modernization of its facilities based upon the assessment results and shall post the plan on its website. Requires the installation of a secure master key box and for immediate notification to local law enforcement of any changes to the locks, doors or other access control devices on the main entrances or other critical access points of the school building. Repeals section regarding building condition assessments. The amendment of section 701.1 of the act is effective in 60 days. The remainder of the act is effective immediately.

Removed from table 10/6/2025 

Amended on House floor, read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 10/7/2025 

Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 10/8/2025 (103-100)

Referred to Senate Education Committee, 10/15/2025 

HB1214 RE: Tax Relief Through Abatements for Dwelling Construction and Improvement (by Rep. Jared G. Solomon, et al)

Amends the General County Assessment Law, in subjects of taxation and exemptions, further providing for temporary tax exemption for residential construction. Extends the timeline for temporary tax exemption for residential construction not to be valued or assessed for purposes of real property taxes until 30 months or the commencement of improvement, whichever is later. Removes the no building permit or other notification of improvement requirement. Effective in 60 days.

Reported from House Finance Committee, with request to re-refer to the House Local Government Committee, 10/28/2025 

HB664 RE: Road Salt Management (by Rep. Joe Webster, et al)

Amends the State Highway Law, in special provisions affecting local authorities, providing for Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide. Requires the creation and usage of the Road Salt Management Best Practices Guide for local jurisdictions and the commonwealth to minimize the adverse environmental impact of road salt runoff. Mandates the Department of Transportation to annually update the guide. Provides what the department may put in the guide. Defines “department” and “guide.”

Amended on House floor, read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 10/7/2025 

Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House,

10/8/2025 

Referred to Senate Transportation Committee, 10/17/2025 

SB315 RE: Career and Technical Education Equipment Grant Funding Fix (by Sen. Lynda Schlegel Culver, et al)

Amends the Public School Code, in career and technical education, further providing for career and technical education equipment grants. Requires the Department of Education (PDE) to use data for the calculations under this section based on the most recent years for which data is available, as determined by PDE, and shall fix the data as of the first day of June preceding the school year in which the allocation occurs. Stipulates that if, after the data based on the first day of June is found by PDE to be incorrect, PDE shall revise the calculations accordingly.

House Republican Caucus Summary -  PDF 

Re-reported as amended from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 10/8/2025 (105-98)

Referred to Senate Rules and Executive Nominations Committee, 10/20/2025