Legislative Action

Summary of Legislative Activity | June 2026

Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers

Summary of Legislation

June 2026

 

House and Senate Leave for the 4^th Without A Budget Deal

Once again, the mythical June 30 budget deadline passed without a new spending plan for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 term. Senate R leadership sent the members home on June 30 over Democrat protests, with the House remaining in town for one more short day. The chambers will return sometime in July when a deal between legislative leaders and the Governor is arrived at.

 

Anti-indemnification Bill Advances

A bill that would prohibit indemnification clauses in construction contracts passed the Senate Banking and Insurance committee with unanimous support. House Bill 1541 previously passed the Pennsylvania House by a vote of 200 to 1. While promising, the Senate has slow walked the bill since the June 9^th committee vote amid rumors that certain groups want to be exempt from the prohibition.

If enacted, Pennsylvania will join the great majority of states that already prohibit shifting negligence from one party to another in construction contracts. Members are encouraged to use the following link to contact their state senator urging support for House Bill 1541:

https://www.votervoice.net/WannerAssoc/Campaigns/77146/Respond

 

Hanbidge Bill To Protect Homeowners’ Rights to Install Solar Energy Systems on Roofs Passes PA House

 

H.B. 1239, introduced by state Rep. Liz Hanbidge, (D-Montgomery), that would prohibit homeowners’ associations and community associations from forbidding or unreasonably restricting solar installations on roofs that are individually owned and not part of common areas passed the PA House on July 1.

“House Bill 1239 is a practical, commonsense measure that strengthens the rights of homeowners to make responsible decisions about their own property,” Hanbidge said. “At a time when families are looking for ways to reduce household expenses, homeowners should have the freedom to invest in solar energy and lower their utility costs without facing unnecessary barriers.

“This bill strikes the right balance by protecting that freedom while allowing associations to maintain reasonable standards that protect the community,” she said.

The legislation would provide clarity for homeowners, boards and property managers by defining key terms such as “detached roof” and “solar energy system.” Clear definitions are intended to help prevent disputes and reduce legal ambiguity.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

 

Ciresi Bill Requiring Transparency in Data Center Development Passes House

 

Legislation introduced by state Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) to increase transparency in data center development in Pennsylvania passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, (171-31) on June 30.

 

“Today’s vote demonstrates how my colleagues on both sides of the aisle agree that Pennsylvanians shouldn’t be left in the dark about the impact data centers will have on their localities and their lives,” Ciresi said. “My necessary legislation would require developers to be open and transparent about the environmental impact with area residents and would give the public the opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about the proposed development.”

House Bill 2359 would require developers of data centers with a peak electrical demand of over 10 megawatts to engage with local communities and their residents before construction and disclose information about the facilities’ impact to qualify for a sales tax exemption for data center-related computer equipment.

 

The legislation specifically targets large-scale/high-impact data centers and excludes smaller data centers that do not pose the same environmental or quality-of-life risks to nearby residents.

Qualifying data centers would specifically be required to:

• submit a “community protection plan” documenting the owner/operator’s engagement with the community and municipality before construction, including holding public meetings and pre-construction consultations with the municipality.
• complete an annual project footprint report on estimated local water and energy usage.
• refrain from entering into any non-disclosure agreement with government agencies.

“My legislation will foster accountability, transparency and public involvement in data center development in Pennsylvania,” Ciresi said. “We cannot allow the public to be kept in the dark about major developments in their communities, such as data centers, and their potential impact on residents’ lives. Elected officials must be able to share information with the people they represent and hear directly from them.”

The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration.

 

Senate Democratic Policy Committee Holds Public hearing On Electric Bill Costs

 

The Senate Democratic Policy Committee held a public hearing entitled “Lowering Your Electric Bill Costs” to discuss cost-saving solutions for ratepayers, including Senate Bill 312. 

 

Committee Chair Nick Miller (D-Lehigh) emphasized concerns about affordability across Pennsylvania, particularly rising electricity costs. He noted that the Senate Democratic Policy Committee has held hearings on issues including energy, health care and housing. He said the purpose of the hearing is to focus on solutions to address increasing electric bills. He stated that elected officials have a responsibility to help constituents facing affordability challenges and invites discussion on potential policy responses.

 

Sen. John Kane (D-Chester), the bill’s prime sponsor, said rising electricity costs are among the most common concerns he hears from constituents. He argued that many families are struggling to afford their electric bills despite working and meeting their financial obligations. He identified confusing electricity contracts and consumer vulnerability in the retail energy market as contributing factors. He highlighted Senate Bill 312, which would require consumers whose fixed-rate electricity contracts expire to return automatically to their utility’s default service unless they actively choose another plan, rather than being placed into a variable-rate contract. He said the bill is intended to protect consumers and reduce electricity costs and expressed interest in exploring additional solutions during the hearing.

For complete coverage of the hearing, click here:

https://pasenate.com/senate-democratic-policy-committee-hearing-on-lowering-your-electric-bill/

 

Additional information was provided by the EAP regarding how Pennsylvanians can save more money on energy.

Testimony:  Senate Democratic Policy – PUC

Testimony:  Senate Democratic Policy – Lawrence

Testimony:  Senate Democratic Policy – Marx

Testimony:  Senate Democratic Policy – RESA

Testimony:  Senate Democratic Policy – Additional Information EAP

 

 

 

 

This Month in the PA Bulletin:

 

L&I: Rulemaking; Elevator Safety Standards Under The Uniform Construction Code

The Department of Labor and Industry amended Pennsylvania Code to adopt updated national safety standards applicable to elevators and other lifting devices. This final-form rulemaking will be effective six months from publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. Additional information is available on the Pennsylvania Bulletin. https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/Display/pabull?file=/secure/pabulletin/data/vol56/56-25/862.html

 

 

 

Legislative Activity

The following bills have been acted upon in the General Assembly this past month.  

 

Bidding / Contracting

NONE

Budget Bills

 

HB2400 RE: General Fund for fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris)

(PN 3725) The General Appropriation Act of 2026 provides appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026. Makes a state appropriation of $24,171,000 from the General Fund to the Department of Human Services for rape crisis programs. Asserts that part of all appropriations in Part II unexpended, uncommitted or unencumbered as of June 30, 2027, shall automatically lapse as of that date, except as otherwise provided by law or by this section. Effective July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later.

Reported as amended from Senate Appropriations Committee, and read first time, 6/29/2026 

Read second time, and re-committed to Senate Appropriations Committee, 6/30/2026

Energy Development Bills

NONE

 

Environmental Building Standards

NONE

 

Liability

 

HB1541 RE: Anti-Indemnification Agreements.(by Rep. Joseph C. Hohenstein, et al)

Amends the act entitled “An act relating to indemnification agreements between architects, engineers or surveyors and owners, contractors, subcontractors or suppliers and indemnification agreements relating to snow removal or ice control services,” providing for void and unenforceable provisions or terms in construction contracts and making editorial changes. Applies provisions to construction contracts. Amends the definition of “construction contract” to refer to a nonresidential contract, agreement or purchase order, additionally providing for design, observation, inspection, planning, and surveying relating to the construction of roads and possible economic damages. Changes language from “party” to “indemnitee” throughout section 1.2. Provides for indemnification agreements relating to construction contracts. Establishes a provision in a construction contract in which an indemnitee is indemnified, held harmless or insured for damages, claims, losses or expenses arising out of bodily injury to persons, damage to property or economic damage caused by or resulting from the indemnitee’s negligence should be void against public policy and unenforceable. Removes definition of “party,” redefines “construction contract.

Reported as committed from Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, and read first time, 6/9/2026 

 

Local/State Government/Regulations

 

SB1299 RE: Automatic Fire Sprinkler Systems. (by Sen. Frank A. Farry, et al)

The City of the First Class Residential High-Rise Fire Sprinkler Retrofit Tax Relief Act provides for a tax credit for retrofitting residential high-rise structures with an automatic fire sprinkler system and associated monitoring or detection devices. Allows the Office of the Mayor of a city of the first class to award a tax credit to the owner of a residential high-rise structure in a determined amount against any income tax imposed by the city of the first class, for tax years beginning after Dec. 31, 2026. Asserts that the tax credit shall be for investment in retrofitting residential high-rise structures with an automatic fire sprinkler system and associated monitoring or detection devices. Specifies the amount of the tax credit. Provides for administration. Outlines applicability.

Reported as committed Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, 6/8/2026 

Read second time, and re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 6/9/2026 

 

 

Local/Property Tax Reform

NONE

 

Mandate Waivers

NONE

 

Mechanic’s Lien

NONE

 

Permitting

NONE

 

Prevailing Wage

NONE

 

Procurement

 

SB1410 RE: Prohibiting Certain Terms in Procurement Contracts Entered into by Commonwealth Parties. (by Sen. Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, et al)

The Commonwealth Party Procurement Contract Terms Act prohibits certain terms in procurement contracts entered into by commonwealth parties. Outlines the provisions that a contract or agreement, regardless of cost, for the procurement or disposal of supplies, services or construction or the licensing, access, exchange or use of information, software or information technology entered into by a commonwealth party or local agency may not include, except as otherwise required by federal or state law. Asserts that a term or condition in a contract or agreement, regardless of cost, for the procurement or disposal of supplies, services or construction or the licensing, access or use of software or information technology entered into by a commonwealth party or local agency that violates section 3 relating to prohibited terms shall be void and unenforceable. Specifies that the remainder of the contract or agreement shall remain valid and enforceable as if the void term had not been included. Applies this act to contracts and agreements entered into, amended or renewed on or after the effective date.

Referred to Senate State Government Committee, 6/29/2026 

Reported as committed from Senate State Government Committee, and read first time, 6/30/2026 

 

 

Professional Licensure

 

HB2645 RE: Licensed Home Inspectors. (by Rep. Tina M. Davis, et al)

Amends the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, providing for continuing education for licensed home inspectors and further providing for administration and enforcement;

Referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 6/17/2026 

Reported as amended from House Professional Licensure Committee, read first time, and re-committed to House Rules Committee, 6/24/2026 

 

HB2678 RE: Artificial intelligence. (by Rep. Brenda M. Pugh, et al)

Amends Title 63 (Professions and Occupations (State Licensed)), in powers and duties, further providing for definitions and providing for artificial intelligence (AI). Adds definitions for “artificial intelligence” and “generative artificial intelligence.” Requires every licensing board and commission to establish rules addressing the use of AI by licensees when providing services within their authorized scope of practice. Outlines rule content requirements. Adds that nothing in the section shall be construed to limit the authority of a licensing board or licensing commission to regulate the use of AI by licensees under a practice act or require disclosure of the use of AI for purely administrative, clerical or ministerial function that does not involve individualized professional advice, recommendations, evaluations, treatment, analysis or decision. Allows a licensing board or commission to promulgate regulations as necessary.

Referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 6/29/2026 

 

SB907 RE: Licensed Home Inspectors. (by Sen. Frank A. Farry, et al)

Amends the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act, providing for continuing education for licensed home inspectors and further providing for administration and enforcement;

Laid on the table (Pursuant to Senate Rule 9), 6/25/2026 

Regulatory Process

NONE

 

 

Separations Act

NONE

 

School Construction

 

HB2633 RE: Construction And Renovation of Buildings by School Entities. (by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock, et al)

Amends the Public School Code, in construction and renovation of buildings by school entities, repealing provisions relating to maintenance program and to building condition assessments and further providing for project reimbursement and for applicability. Repeals the maintenance project grant program for school entity maintenance projects. Removes additional points under the maintenance program funding rubric for school entities that complete building condition assessments. Removes the limitation that the maximum project reimbursement payment may not exceed 65% of a project’s structural cost. Provides for equal installment payments over 20 years totaling the reimbursement amount calculated under the general project reimbursement formula. Sets the adjustment factor at zero from July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2026, and at one beginning July 1, 2026. Removes the maintenance project grant program from the applicability provision. Provides that the article applies to projects for which approval and reimbursement is sought beginning July 1, 2026, and allows certain projects not completed before that date to retroactively seek approval. Reduces the reimbursable amount, including for existing projects, by the amount of a related grant received under section 1753.2-E of The Fiscal Code.

Referred to House Education Committee, 6/12/2026 

Reported as committed from House Education Committee, read first time, and re-committed to House Rules Committee, 6/16/2026 

 

State/Local Taxes

HB2359 RE: Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program. (by Rep. Joe Ciresi, et al)

Amends the Tax Reform Code, in computer data center equipment incentive program, Further amends the general rule under eligibility requirements to mandate the owner or operator of the computer data center to certify that an agreement has not been entered into, or will not be entered into, with an agency, or any entity acting on behalf of an agency, that relates to the construction, development or location of the facility and requires confidentiality, nondisclosure or otherwise restricts the agency from disclosing information to members of the public. Specifies that the added requirements shall not apply to a computer data center with a peak electric demand of less than 10 megawatts, that subsection (a)(3)(ii) shall not apply to a commercial data center that has commenced construction prior to the effective date and that subsection (a)(4) shall not apply to an owner or operator or qualified tenant holding a certification under this subarticle prior to the effective date. Revises notification and records provisions to provide for the satisfaction of investment and compensation requirements, as well as other requirements.

Reported as amended from House Energy Committee, read first time, and re-committed to House Rules Committee, 6/17/2026 

Re-reported as amended from House Rules Committee, read first time, and re-committed to House Rules Committee, 6/23/2026 

Rereported from House Rules Committee, amended on House floor, read second time, and Re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 6/29/2026 

Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 6/30/2026 

 

HB2686 RE: Removing the Corbett-Era Gas Tax. (by Rep. Frank Burns, et al)

Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in liquid fuels and fuels tax, further providing for definitions. Repeals the provision authorizing a gas tax increase over time from the definition of “average wholesale price” and adds to the definition that, on or after the effective date, the average wholesale price shall be $1.87 per gallon. Effective in 60 days.

Referred to House Finance Committee, 7/1/2026

 

 

Transportation/Highways

 

HB2214 RE: Supplemental Funding For Municipal Highway Maintenance. (by Rep. Anthony A. Bellmon, et al) Amends Title 75 (Vehicles), in supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance, further providing for supplemental funding for municipal highway maintenance; and, in taxes for highway maintenance and construction, further providing for imposition of tax. Adds the option of a more county allocation supplement amount as determined by the department for the purposes of complying with paragraph (5). Adds that a county may use the money for the construction and maintenance of bridges owned by municipalities in the county, considers a city of the first class a county and that a county may not receive funding under this subsection in an amount less than the amount received in the previous year unless the square footage of deck area of total square footage of deck area of a county’s county-owned bridges is less than the previous year. Provides that 2% or more from the Motor License Fund, as determined by the department, can be used for the construction and maintenance of bridges owned by municipalities, considers a city of the first class a county and prohibits a county from receiving funding less than the amount in the previous year, outlining exceptions.

Reported as amended from House Transportation Committee, read first time, and re-committed to House Rules Committee, 6/08/2026 

 

HB2469 Public-Private Transportation Partnerships. (by Rep. Lindsay Powell, et al)

Amends Title 74 (Transportation), in public-private transportation partnerships, further providing for definitions, for operation of board and for sovereign immunity. Amends the definitions of “private entity” and “public entity.” Under board operation and public input applicability, replaces department with “public entity.” Provides immunity from suit for certain and local agencies, as well as their employees acting within the scope of their duties.

Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 6/8/2026 

Referred to Senate Transportation Committee, 6/11/2026 

 

SB1377 RE: Design Build Best Value. (by Sen. Judy Ward)

Amends Title 74 (Transportation), in transportation infrastructure, adding a chapter to provide for design build best value. Permits the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission to use the design build best value source selection method for projects. Allows for design best value use when the commission determines that a project would benefit from the design build best value method of procurement due to one or more of the specified factors. Permits the commission to advertise no more than 10 one-step design build best value procurements per calendar year and no more than 10 two-step design build best value procurements per calendar year. Provides for public notice of determination for use of design build best value. Outlines requests for proposals. Requires public notice of the one-step or two-step request for proposals to be given in the same manner as provided in 62 Pa.C.S. § 512(c) (relating to competitive sealed bidding). Provides for the submission and receipt of statements of qualifications and proposals. Directs the commission to schedule a preproposal conference after issuing the request for qualifications in a two-step procurement or the request for proposals in a one-step procurement, which conference may be held virtually. Mandates that the commission shall indicate the date, time and location for a preproposal conference within the request for qualifications in a two-step procurement or the request for proposals in a one-step procurement. Outlines requests for technical and price proposals in a one-step procurement. Details a statement of qualifications and short-list process in a two-step procurement. Specifies requests for technical and price proposals in a two-step procurement. Provides for alternative technical concepts. Establishes records of requests for alternative technical concepts and use of intellectual property. Asserts that the commission may reasonably compensate any offeror for an ATC. Outlines provisions for stipends. Provides details on due dates for technical proposal and price proposal. Asserts that the responsible offeror, whose proposal is determined in writing to be the most advantageous to the commission, shall be selected for contract negotiations necessary to finalize a contract or to clarify any remaining issue regarding scope, schedule or any other information provided by the selected best value offeror without impacting material price and evaluation factors. Permits the commission to utilize an unsuccessful offeror’s ATC upon an executed agreement for payment to an unsuccessful offeror in accordance with subsection (n) or (o). Adds that if the commission chooses to incorporate the ATC into the contract executed as a result of the subject procurement, the commission and contractor shall execute a change order. Requires the request for proposal to state the validity period for the proposal, unless extended by the mutual consent of the commission and offerors. Provides for an evaluation committee. Outlines applicability of other laws, including construction and application. Establishes limitations on powers and duties and existing contracts. Requires project reporting.

Referred to Senate Transportation Committee, 6/9/2026 

Reported as committed from Senate Transportation Committee, and read first time, 6/10/2026 

 

Worker’s Comp

NONE

 

 

Workforce Development

 

SB1380 RE: PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program. (by Sen. Gene Yaw, et al)

Amends the Public School Code, in institutions of higher education, adding a subarticle to establish the PA WORKS Scholarship Grant Program and the trade career-incentive tax credit. Provides definitions. Establishes the Pennsylvania Workforce, Opportunity, Retention and Knowledge Scholarship Program (PA WORKS) within the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) to award grants beginning in the 2026-2027 school year. Requires PHEAA to administer PA WORKS, develop applications, require parental or guardian signatures for minors or dependent students and award grants to eligible students. Limits grants to $5,000 per academic year or a lesser amount based on educational cost and available federal and state grants and permits partial-year awards. Requires eligible students to be Pennsylvania residents, enroll in an approved course of study, maintain satisfactory academic progress, lack a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and sign an agreement to complete requirements, live and work in Pennsylvania within one year after completion and work in an in-demand occupation for 36 months for each academic year of grant receipt. Requires repayment with interest for noncompliance, prorates repayment for partial satisfaction of the work requirement and caps interest at the three-month United States Treasury bill rate. Limits grants to four academic years or completion of a bachelor’s degree, whichever occurs first. Requires PHEAA to award complete eligible applications in order received and give renewal applicants first priority, subject to available appropriations. Requires institutions of higher education to notify PHEAA when a recipient terminates enrollment and return unused grant money, while preserving eligibility for students who transfer to another approved course of study. Provides that reimbursed and returned money shall be used for additional grants and that grants are not taxable income under Article III of the Tax Reform Code. Establishes a trade career-incentive tax credit to supplement funding for grants and requires business firms to apply to the Department of Revenue (DOR). Requires DOR-approved applicants to execute a commitment letter stating the maximum credit amount, a five-year Pennsylvania operations commitment, other required information and whether the credit is single-year or multiple-year. Requires PHEAA to advertise PA WORKS, conduct outreach to traditionally underserved communities, post program information on its website and establish guidelines to advertise the tax credit to eligible business firms. Requires PHEAA to submit an annual report to the governor, the General Assembly and the Secretary of Education detailing applications, awards, courses of study, institutions, average grant value, work-requirement compliance and reimbursed money. Effective in 60 days.

Referred to Senate Education Committee, 6/18/2026 

 

Upcoming meetings of Interest

Some House Committee meetings and session can be viewed online at: https://www.pahouse.net/LegisTrak/CommitteeMeetings

Senate Committee meetings and session can be streamed at: https://www.pasenategop.com/watch/

 

 

2026 House Session Schedule (Subject to Change)

July Dates TBA

September 28, 29, 30

October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21

November 9, 10

 

2026 Senate Spring Session Schedule

July Dates TBA

September 28, 29, 30

October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21

November 17, 18

 

 

State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists Meeting Schedule 

PUBLIC WELCOME 

All Board meetings are held in person and remotely via Teams. In-person meetings will be held at a new location: 2525 N. 7^th Street, Harrisburg, PA, unless otherwise indicated.

https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/EngineersLandSurveyorsandGeologists/Pages/General-Board-Information.aspx#.VHNkfFZOk5s

2026 dates: July 22, September 23, December 2

2027 dates: January 13, March 10, May 12, July 14, September 15, November 17

2028 dates: January 12, March 8, May 10, July 12, September 13, November 15

 

State Geospatial Coordinating Board

2026 GeoBoard Quarterly Meetings: May 21, August 20, November 12

HYBRID virtual conference & in person at: Pennsylvania Geological Survey 3240 Schoolhouse Rd, Middletown, PA 17057

https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/oa/programs/information-technology2/state-geospatial-coordinating-board.html

 

L&I: UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE REVIEW AND ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS

https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/ucc-review-and-advisory-council.html