Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers
Summary of Legislation
August 2026
New Licensure for Home Inspectors on the Horizon
A bill that would create a true licensing system for home inspectors in Pennsylvania is moving through the legislature. House Bill 2645 shifts Pennsylvania from a system that primarily relies on statutory standards and professional qualifications for home inspectors to one that requires formal state licensure, continuing education, and regulatory oversight by the State Real Estate Commission. The bill’s primary goal is to increase professional accountability and establish uniform licensing standards for home inspectors across the Commonwealth. Under current law, Professional Engineers (PEs) are largely exempt from having to meet the same conditions as home inspectors who are not licensed as engineers thanks to PSPE’s lobbying efforts when the current system was adopted.
HB2645 carries forward the same exceptions for PEs but lacks a clear method for licensed engineers to advertise their home inspection services without violating the title protection provisions in the proposed law. PSPE is pursuing an amendment to the bill that makes it clear that professional engineers can advertise their home inspections services. Our lobbyists expect that amendment to be added to the bill prior to it passing the House. It currently sits in the House Rules committee.
Governor Shapiro Signs Executive Order Requiring Data Center Developers to Comply with Strict Requirements and Blocking Speculative, Irresponsible Data Center Projects.
Governor Josh Shapiro signed Executive Order 2026-05), on August 18, directing Commonwealth agencies to require all data center proposals applying for permits with the Commonwealth to comply with the Governor’s Responsible Infrastructure Development (GRID) Requirements) blocking speculative, irresponsible data center projects from moving forward, giving local communities more power over data center development, and protecting Pennsylvania residents. The Executive Order directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to evaluate permit applications from proposed data centers only if developers have made a legally binding commitment to meet the Governor’s GRID Requirements and have received local approval.
“Over the past year, I’ve listened to the people of Pennsylvania – and I’ve heard directly from many residents across our Commonwealth who are concerned about what data center development could mean for our communities, our environment, and our utility bills,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “My message to data center developers is clear: if you can’t agree to our strict requirements and get the community where you want to build to say ‘yes,’ you’re not going to have the Commonwealth’s support either. These are some of the biggest companies in the world — they can afford to be good neighbors, follow the rules, and do this right.”
The Executive Order lays out strict requirements that data center developers must meet regarding energy affordability, community engagement, workforce and economic development, transparency, and environmental protection – and gives local municipalities a greater say over development in their communities.
The Governor is also immediately removing all AI data center projects from the PA Permit Fast Track Program and will not consider data center projects for the program going forward. Further, the Executive Order implements new public transparency requirements for developers, and makes clear that the use of nondisclosure agreements with data center projects is not permissible.
Dukes Wins 12th district Special; House Returns to Full Complement
On August 18, voters went to the polls for a special election in Allegheny County to replace departed Republican Rep. Stephenie Scialabba in the 12th legislative district. In a significant upset, Democrat Brandon Dukes narrowly defeated Republican Scott Timko. The two will continue to run against each other again in November to serve the district next session. The registration strongly leans Timko’s way, but with Dukes as an incumbent, the seat is definitely in play.
When Dukes is sworn in, the Democrats will increase their majority to 103-100 for the duration of the session.
House Energy Committee Seeks Input on Draft Legislation Ahead of Fall Committee Hearings
PA House Energy Committee Chair Fiedler recently reached out to stakeholders seeking input into issues for discussion this coming fall. The Committee has been extremely active this whole legislative session, and appears poised to continue that work through the duration of the legislative session. In her email, Fiedler said, “
[The committee] is still determining the agenda for a 9/30 voting meeting and subsequent hearings on 10/7 and 10/21. However, I did want to share drafts and request feedback for some of the projects we have been working on with members. Those drafts are attached.
Please keep in mind that none of these bills have been introduced and some may eventually be referred to another standing committee. If you have thoughts, comments, suggestions, or positions on any of these drafts, please let us know.
The proposed legislation the committee seeks comment on are:
- A bill by Rep. Jacklyn Rusnock that would require utilities to host an online portal that provides real-time updates on the status of a developer’s interconnection application. Here is the memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 49141 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives
- Rep. Mandy Steele’s bill that would direct DCNR to study hydropower and micro-hydropower at state owned dams. Memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 49152 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives
- Rep. Heather Boyd’s legislation that would require large gas utilities to create pilot programs for thermal energy networks. Memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 47279 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives
- Rep Kyle Donahue’s draft bill to require data centers to apply for interconnection applications before municipal zoning. Memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 49144 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives
- A bill by Rep Chris Pielli, to require Electric Distribution Companies to join regional transmission organizations. Memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 48489 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives; and
- Rep. Takac’s legislation to prioritize transmission line siting along highways. Memo: House Co-Sponsorship Memo 49178 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA House of Representatives
Please let us know if you would like to weigh in on these draft bills, or need more information.
This Month in the PA Bulletin:
NONE
Legislative Activity
The following bills have been acted upon in the General Assembly this past month.
Bidding / Contracting
HB2726 RE: Prohibiting Indemnification Clauses in Contracts (by Rep. Timothy R. Bonner, et al)
Summary
Amends Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure), in general provisions relating to civil actions and proceedings, providing for indemnification. Adds a section stating that a provision or a term in a contract in which a party shall be indemnified or held harmless from any claims, legal actions, damages, losses or expenses arising out of bodily injury to persons, damage to property or economic loss caused by or resulting from the party’s negligence, strict liability or intentional or reckless wrongdoing, in whole or in part, shall be void as against public policy and unenforceable. Provides that the added section shall apply to contracts entered into on or after the effective date. Effective in 60 days.
Position: No position.
Referred to House Judiciary Committee, 8/4/2026
Budget Bills
NONE
Energy Development Bills
NONE
Environmental Building Standards
NONE
Liability
NONE
Local/State Government/Regulations
NONE
Local/Property Tax Reform
NONE
Mandate Waivers
NONE
Mechanic’s Lien
NONE
Permitting
NONE
Prevailing Wage
NONE
Procurement
NONE
Professional Licensure
NONE
Regulatory Process
NONE
Separations Act
NONE
School Construction
NONE
State/Local Taxes
NONE
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)
September 28, 29, 30
October 5, 6, 7, 19, 20, 21
November 9, 10
2026 Senate Spring Session Schedule
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. 7th Street, Harrisburg, PA, unless otherwise indicated.
2026 dates: 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: 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
