Summary of Legislative Activity | March 2026
Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers
Summary of Legislation
March 2026
Data Center Bills on House Agenda
Data Center construction is in the news and on the minds of Pennsylvania legislators. Two bills recently moved forward in the House after mostly party line votes (Democrats for, Republicans against). House Bill 2150 requires that data centers report power and water consumption to the Public Utility Commission annually. House Bill 2151 directs the Local Government Commission to develop a model ordinance that municipalities may use to help them manage data center issues in their local areas. The Commission may also provide technical assistance upon request.
One notable amendment to the bill adds “local workforce participation” to the list of topics municipalities may include in their ordinances. That addition reads:
“Provisions encouraging or facilitating community benefits agreements that promote local workforce participation in the site preparation and construction of data centers, including the use of registered apprenticeship programs and skilled construction labor.”
While neither of these bills takes a hardline approach to the siting of data centers, other proposals are brewing. Democratic Senator Katie Muth has circulated a cosponsor memo calling for a 3-year moratorium on data centers. That legislation has not yet been introduced or assigned a bill number. The House Bills are presently in the House Appropriations committee (as of March 25th).
House R’s Refill Two Seats, One to Go
The two St. Patrick’s Day special elections to replace departed House members resulted in no big surprises. In the 193rd district, in Adams County, Republican Catherine Wallen (R) defeated Democrat Todd Crawley. In Blair County’s 79th district, Andrea Verobish (R) received around 57% of the vote, besting Democrat opponent Caleb McCoy. One vacancy remains in the House (District 196 in York County), which will have a special election on May 19th, the same day as the primary.
State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists March 18 Meeting Notes
The State Registration Board for Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors and Geologists met on March 18, via hybrid meeting format, in Harrisburg. Following are the highlights.
∙ Board President Robert Kudlawiec, PE, presided, and welcomed the members.
∙ Prosecution Liaison reported no consent agreements, with several cases “in process”
Board Counsel Ashley Goshert, Esq. reported that, due to a lack of a sufficient number of members present, the Adjudication Order posted on the agenda would have to be tabled until the next meeting. She also noted that the new definition of Engineer Intern has been changed on the Board’s website.
∙ Regulatory Counsel Marc Farrell reported on the status of two regulatory packages:
- 16A-4717 Engineer Interns; Decoupling Experience Requirement with Intern Certificates was approved by IRRC, and published in the PA Bulletin on February 7.
- Ethics: still in process, on track for implementation in the next renewal cycle.
∙ Board member reports: Kudlawiec reported that NCEES recognized former long-time Registration Board member Mike Brinkash, PLS, for his distinguished service. Scott Reeser, PLS, discussed the state-specific surveyor exam results. Asked if the issue can be added to the next agenda.
∙ On behalf of Acting Commissioner Arion Claggett, Molly Smith had no report.
∙ Board Administrator Kristel Hennessey Himler announced she was leaving the Board, and introduced her successor, Sharona Evans. Himler also reported on the CE audits. Overall 269 passed, 31 exempt, and a small number were referred for prosecution.
∙ The Board held officer elections. Kudlawiec was re-elected President, Joseph McNally Vice President.
∙ Finally, the board discussed the issue of illegal use of seals and registration numbers. Ray Michalowski noted that this would be primarily a local law enforcement issue. He said there are myriad ways to access names, including the PALS list on line. He stated that the issue is seen more prevalent being perpetrated on architects than engineers or surveyors.
The next meeting is May 20, 2026, with both in-person and virtual options for attendees, in the Eaton Room, 2525 N 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA 17110. Public Session begins at 10:30 AM
This Month in the PA Bulletin:
NONE
Legislative Activity
The following bills have been introduced, and cosponsor memos have been circulated in the General Assembly this past month.
Bidding / Contracting
NONE
Budget Bills
HB2400 RE: General Fund for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027. (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris, et al)
The General Appropriation Act of 2026 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, 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; provides appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; provides for the appropriation of federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and provides for the additional appropriation of federal and state funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments 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. Effective July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later.
Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 3/24/2026
Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/25/2026
HB2401 RE: An Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris, et al)
The Capital Budget Act of 2026-2027 provides for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. Establishes overall limitations on debt to be incurred for capital projects. Provides that the maximum principal amount of additional debt to be incurred during the 2026-2027 fiscal year for capital projects shall total $1,645,000,000, with $1,200,000,000 for buildings and structures, $20,000,000 for furniture and equipment, $100,000,000 for transportation assistance projects and $325,000,000 for redevelopment assistance projects.
Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 3/24/2026
Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/25/2026
HB2402 RE: An Act providing for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027. (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris, et al)
The Capital Budget Project Itemization Act of 2026-2027 provides for the capital budget for fiscal year 2026-2027; itemizes public improvement projects, furniture and equipment projects, transportation assistance, flood control projects, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) projects and Manufacturing Fund projects leased or assisted by the Department of General Services (DGS) and other state agencies, together with their estimated financial costs; authorizes the incurring of debt without the approval of the electors for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by DGS and other State agencies; authorizing the use of current revenue for the purpose of financing the projects to be constructed, acquired or assisted by DGS and other State agencies stating the estimated useful life of the projects; and makes appropriations. Details appropriation amounts for fiscal year 2026-2027. Asserts that in editing and preparing this act for printing, following the final enactment, the Legislative Reference Bureau (LRB) shall insert or revise letters or numbers for projects where the letters or numbers are missing or require revision. Requires the LRB to also revise the total monetary amounts for the total authorization, debt authorization, appropriations and department totals as necessary to agree with the total monetary amounts of the projects. Effective immediately.
Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 3/24/2026
Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/25/2026
HB2412 RE: An Act providing for funding for State-related universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027. (by Rep. Jordan A. Harris, et al)
The State-related University Nonpreferred Appropriation Act of 2026 provides for funding for state-related universities for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and ending June 30, 2027, for costs basis, for frequency of payments and for recordkeeping requirements; imposing a duty on the Auditor General; providing for financial statements, for the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund and for restrictions; and making appropriations. Provides definitions. Asserts that payments made to a state-related university on account of an appropriation under this act shall be made on the basis of costs during the current fiscal year. Outlines the frequency and basis of payments. Provides for the purposes of expenditures and statement of expenditures and costs. Specifies the duty of a state-related university to provide information. Directs a state-related university to present and report its financial statements. Appropriates the money of the restricted account within the Agricultural College Land Scrip Fund for the current fiscal year, in accordance with the Fiscal Code, establishing the restricted account. Outlines restrictions and limitations on the use of appropriations. Appropriates the money within the State-related University Performance Fund for the current fiscal year, in accordance with sections 2034-L and 2035-L of the Public School Code. Details the appropriations for the Pennsylvania State University, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, the University of Pittsburgh, Temple University and Lincoln University.
Referred to House Appropriations Committee, 3/24/2026
Reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/25/2026
Energy Development Bills
HB1834 RE: Commercial Data Centers. (by Rep. Robert F. Matzie, et al)
The Data Center Act provides for regulation of large load users by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, for cost responsibility, for contributions to the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, for renewable energy requirements and for contract filing, commission review and enforcement; establishes the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; and imposes duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority. Replaces the entire language of the bill. Provides definitions. Permits the commission to promulgate temporary regulations, outlining content requirements. Outlines required regulatory topics. Prohibits an electric distribution company from recovering from ratepayers other than large load users, whether through base rates, riders, surcharges or any other ratemaking mechanisms, costs that are directly attributable to the provision of electric service to a large load user and costs that would not have been incurred but for the electricity demand of the large load user. Provides for rate review and allocation criteria. Establishes a cost of service study, universal service and energy conservation programs and outlines the duration of allocation and recovery standards. Establishes the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account, outlines sources of money, annual payment, appropriation and regulations and guideline requirements. Establishes the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account, provides for sources of money, allocation and geographic minimum requirements, construction of loan guidelines and application criteria. Establishes renewable energy requirements. Provides for contract filing, commission review and enforcement requirements. Establishes reporting requirements. Provides for disclosure requirements. Outlines curtailment standards, including direction to large load users to deploy backup generation resources or storage resources or curtail loads before curtailment or manual load dump. Provides for priority and environmental compliance requirements. Provides for certification and expedited interconnection for large load users bringing incremental energy resources. Directs the commission to establish a certification program, outlining guidelines and requirements. Provides for the enforcement of the act through the commission under 66 PA.C.S. CH. 33 (relating to violations and penalties). Adds that nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize an electric distribution company to own an electric generation supply in the state.
Amended on second consideration, read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 3/23/2026
Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 3/24/2026 (104-95)
Environmental Building Standards
HB2150 RE: An Act providing for annual reporting of energy consumption and water consumption by data centers; and imposing a penalty. (by Rep. Kyle J. Mullins, et al)
The Data Center Energy and Water Reporting Act provides for annual reporting of energy consumption and water consumption by data centers; and imposes a penalty. Provides definitions. Amends definitions of “data center” and “electric distribution company.” Requires data centers operating in this commonwealth to submit an annual report to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) on the facility’s energy and water consumption for the preceding calendar year, outlining the contents that the report shall include. Asserts that the annual report shall be submitted by July 1, 2027, and each July 1 thereafter, in a manner determined by DEP. Directs the Public Utility Commission (PUC) and DEP to publish an annual report on the energy and water consumption trends for data centers operating in this commonwealth. Provides for data confidentiality. Subjects a data center that fails to comply with the reporting requirements to a civil penalty of $10,000 per day until the report is submitted to DEP, with penalties deposited into the low-income electric customer assistance program of the electric distribution company for the service territory in which the data center in violation is located.
Reported as amended from House Energy Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/19/2026
Removed from table, 3/24/2026
Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 3/25/2026
Cosponsor memo filed
HCO3319 RE: Go Public Gardens Days (by Rep. Christina D. Sappey (D)
A Resolution to commemorate May 10-19, 2026, as ‘Go Public Gardens Days’ in Pennsylvania.
Cosponsor memo filed, 3/27/2026
Liability
HB1541. RE: Indemnification Agreements (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. 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” and defines “indemnitee
Removed from table, 3/25/2026
HB2161 RE: Requiring Electric Utilities to Replace the Trees They Remove (by Rep. Abigail Salisbury, et al)
Amends Title 66 (Public Utilities), in service and facilities, providing for tree removal agreements. Declares that on or after the effective date of this subsection, if a public utility determines that the removal of a tree is necessary for the public utility to provide adequate and reliable service to the public and that the tree is the property of a city, municipality or municipal authority, the public utility shall offer to enter into an agreement with the city, municipality or municipal authority that owns the tree requiring the public utility to plant a tree in replacement of the tree removed. Requires the replacement to be made within two years. Explains that a city, municipality or municipal authority shall not be obligated to accept the public utility’s offered agreement upon the removal of the tree. Elaborates on the replacement tree size. Permits the request for a replacement fee.
Reported as committed from House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/23/2026
Local/State Government/Regulations
HB2151 RE: Community Standards for Data Center Developments (by Rep. Kyle Donahue, et al)
Amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally), providing for data center ordinance assistance. Provides definitions. Directs the center to develop and publish a model zoning ordinance to assist municipalities in regulating data centers and mitigating community impacts within six months after the effective date. Provides for required content within the model zoning ordinance. Requires the center to assist municipalities in identifying policy goals and objections. Provides for stakeholder and department input. Requires the center to update and make necessary modifications to the model zoning ordinance annually or before April 1, requires a 30-day public comment period after publication and each annual update. Allows the center to access and use information or services within the governor’s jurisdiction. Provides that municipalities are not required to adopt the model zoning ordinance.
Reported as amended from House Energy Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/19/2026
Removed from table, 3/24/2026
Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 3/25/2026
HB2246 RE: State Water Plan Providing for Covered Data Centers. (by Rep. Joe Webster, et al)
Amends Title 27 (Environmental Resources), in water resources planning, further providing for state water plan to include section 3118.1 (relating to covered data centers) and adding a section to provide for covered data centers; and promulgating regulations. Provides for departmental powers in order to implement the provisions of the added section, subject to the provisions of section 501 of the Clean Streams Law. Outlines preapplication notification. Specifies additional permit considerations. Requires coordination. Provides for denial of a request if it is found that there is a reasonably foreseeable risk of adverse impact to adjacent water users, waters of the commonwealth, wetlands or any other water use. Requires monitoring. Directs forms created in accordance with this section to be published and made available on the department’s website. Outlines fees and regulations. defines “covered data center.”
Reported as committed from House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, read first time, and laid on the table, 3/23/2026
HB2296 RE: Ensuring Wetland Replacement Efforts Stay Local. (by Rep. Tarah Probst, et al)
Amends the Dam Safety and Encroachments Act, further providing for definitions; and providing for siting of wetland replacement. Defines “wetland.” Requires the location for wetland replacement sites to be immediately adjacent to the wetland affected by obstruction or encroachment, along or adjacent to the watercourse that receives benefit from the impacted wetland system or within the watershed of the watercourse. Provides that if a suitable site cannot meet this criterion, the department should consider a site adjacent to the next higher order stream or watercourse in the watershed. Provides for rejection of a wetland replacement proposal for construction in a watershed other than where loss has occurred, unless all other suitable locations will not work. Provides that if the wetland impact occurs within a designated coastal zone management area, the site shall be located there. Requires the department to provide documentation as to why it was not practicable or feasible to locate a replacement site adjacent to the wetland affected by the obstruction or encroachment.
Referred to House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, 3/18/2026
HR403 RE: A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.” (by Rep. Robert F. Matzie (D)
A Resolution designating the month of April 2026 as “Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month.”
Reported as committed from House Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, 3/23/2026
SB867 RE: Accessibility Advisory Board. (by Sen. Christine M. 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.
Read third time, and passed Senate, 3/18/2026 (50-0)
Referred to House Labor and Industry Committee, 3/18/2026
A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the effectiveness and performance of the Municipalities Planning Code and its preparation for review and enforcement under the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Asserts that the primary task for the Governor’s Center for Local Government Services within DCED and DCED itself. Adds to the scope of the study by requiring the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to examine the traditional zoning, including use-based segregation and provide a review of incremental zoning reform. (Prior PN: 1401) (PN 1401) Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the effectiveness and performance of the Municipalities Planning Code and its preparation for review and enforcement under the Department of Community and Economic Development.
Reported as amended from Senate Local Government Committee, 3/17/2026
Local/Property Tax Reform
NONE
Mandate Waivers
NONE
Mechanic’s Lien
NONE
Permitting
NONE
Prevailing Wage
NONE
Procurement
NONE
Occupational/ Professional Licensure
Referred to House Professional Licensure Committee, 3/19/2026
Referred to Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, 3/30/2026
Regulatory Process
NONE
Separations Act
NONE
School Construction
NONE
State/Local Taxes
HB1260. RE: The Solar-Ready Warehouse and Distribution Center Act (by Rep. Joshua Siegel (Resigned 12/17/25)
Provides for solar-ready projects involving a warehouse or distribution center; authorizes tax exemptions and special tax provisions; imposes duties on the Department of Environmental Protection; and imposes penalties. Provides several definitions. Amends the definition of “warehouse or distribution center” to exclude the provision of public utility services. Establishes applicability for solar-ready requirements. Lists mandated features for solar-ready designs. Asserts that conduit pathways from the roof to the electrical room of the building must be present to allow for future accommodation of wiring for solar energy systems. Adds that spatial capacity and configuration must be present to allow for the future installation of solar energy inverters and related equipment. Permits waivers from the solar-ready requirements under certain conditions. Includes shading from an adjacent building, terrain or vegetation that permanently obstructs sufficient solar access as a physical characteristic, which can allow a site to qualify for a waiver. Lists the considerations that are not to be grounds for a waiver. Provides requirements for seeking a waiver. Establishes departmental duties. Requires the department to issue guidance documents to assist developers and construction professionals in complying with the act. Mandates prevailing wage. Establishes departmental enforcement and a civil penalty not exceeding $100,000 for each violation. Provides tax exemptions and special tax provisions. Requires the department to promulgate rules and regulations to implement the provisions of the act.
Re-reported as committed from House Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed House, 3/23/2026
Referred to Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, 3/30/2026
Transportation/Highways
NONE
Worker’s Comp
NONE
Workforce Development
NONE
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)
April 13, 14, 15, 27, 28, 29
May 4, 5, 6
June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30
September 28, 29, 30
October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21
November 9, 10
2026 Senate Spring Session Schedule
April 20, 21, 22
May 4, 5, 6
June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30
Fall Dates TBA
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. 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA, unless otherwise indicated.
2026 dates: March 18, May 20, 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
L&I: UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION CODE REVIEW AND ADVISORY COUNCIL MEETINGS The Department of Labor & Industry’s Uniform Construction Code Review and Advisory Council will hold regular meetings on Thursday, March 12, 2026, and Thursday, May 7, 2026, at 9 a.m. Participants may dial into the meeting at (929) 205-6099, using 361 131 6502 as the meeting ID and 259161 as the passcode. Questions may be directed to Kristen Gardner at (717) 346-1497.
Take Action
Support reducing the length of liability for a construction project
The Pennsylvania Statute of Repose establishes the time frame following the completion of a construction project during which legal claims can be filed against architects, engineers, and contractors. The longstanding Statute of Repose for contractors and designers has been challenged in court. One of these cases involves a project that was completed more than 40 years ago. Design professionals have personal liability for projects where they have responsible charge or personally supervise. {MORE}
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