Pennsylvania Society of Professional Engineers
Summary of Legislation
May 2026
Republicans Hold Grove Seat in Special Election, One More Remains
PA House Republicans continue to backfill seats vacated earlier this year, seeking to return to the 102-101 minority they started with in January, 2025.
West Manchester Township supervisor George Margetas won a fifth special election to represent the 196th State House district in York County on May 19, defeating Democrat Ron Ruman, to fill the remaining months of former State Rep. Seth Grove’s term. Grove resigned in January, having taken a job in the private sector.Bottom of Form Both Margetas and Ruman will face off again in November’s general election, as both ran unopposed in a separate primary election to serve a full two-year term.
One vacancy remains in the House (District 12 in Butler County), which will have a special election on August 18, to fill the seat vacated earlier this year by Republican Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, who resigned in March. Republican Scott Timko narrowly defeated Ethan Nicholas in the May 19 Republican primary to fill Scialabba’s seat in the full two-year term that begins 2027. He will likely face Democrat Brandon Dukes, who faced no primary challenger, in both the August special election and again in November.
May Primary Elections: All Senate Incumbents Survive, Four House Members Don’t
On May 19, voters began the process of electing their legislators for the 2027-28 legislative session. Half of the Senate (those in the even-numbered seats) stood for renomination by their respective parties, while all of the state House seats were up, along with the Governor and Lt. Governor.
Every Senate Incumbent that faced a primary opponent defeated their challenger. Senators Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington), Lisa Baker (R-Luzerne), and Chris Gebhard (R-Lebanon) all defeated their primary challengers in vicious, expensive races. On the Democrat side, Senators Wayne Fontana, Art Haywood, Marty Flynn, and Anthony Williams all cruised to victory against their respective challengers.
Meanwhile, in the House, several incumbents faced tough primary challengers and did not fare as well. 16-term veteran Rep. Greg Vitali (D-Delaware), along with newer members Keith Harris (D-Phila), Ana Tiburcio (D-Lehigh), and Bud Cook (R-Fayette) all lost to challengers. Tiburcio was recently sworn in after winning a Special Election just several months ago. All of these seats are likely to remain with the party of the departing members.
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
NONE
Budget Bills
HB2513 RE: Commonwealth Financing Authority. (by Rep. Robert F. Matzie, et al)
Amends the Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority. Adds intermediate units to the definition of “school entity.”
Referred to House Education Committee, 5/13/2026
Energy Development Bills
SB1323 RE: Commercial Data Centers. (by Sen. Marty Flynn, et al)
The Data Center Act provides for the regulation of commercial data centers; imposes duties on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, the Department of Human Services and the Pennsylvania Energy Development Authority; establishes the Data Center Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program Enhancement Account and the Pennsylvania Energy Independence Account; provides for clean firm energy requirements, contract filing, commission review, disclosure requirements, backup generation standards, curtailment standards and certification and expedited interconnection for commercial data centers bringing incremental clean firm energy resources; and imposes penalties
Referred to Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, 5/20/2026
SB1344 RE: Repealing Provisions Relating to Computer Data Center Equipment Incentive Program.
Amends the Tax Reform Code, repealing provisions relating to computer data center equipment incentive program; in general provisions, providing for transfer of tax from certain sale of computer data equipment; and establishing a restricted account in the Motor License Fund. Establishes a restricted account within the Motor License Fund. Provides duties for the Secretary of Revenue no later than Sept. 30, 2027, and every September 30 thereafter. Requires the State Treasurer to transfer the amount from the General Fund to the restricted account established in subsection (a) no later than 90 days after receipt of the amount provided by the Department of Revenue (DOR) under subsection (b)(1). Stipulates that the Secretary of the Commonwealth will prepare a notice of enactment of an act that reduces the tax rate of the oil company franchise tax for highway maintenance and construction tax by at least the reduction reported under subsection (b)(2) and will transmit the notice to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin which the Secretary of the Commonwealth will transmit no later than ten days after enactment of the act.
Referred to Senate Finance Committee, 6/4/2026
Environmental Building Standards
HB2504 RE: Potential Pollution. (by Rep. Clint Owlett, et al)
Amends the Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution. Adds that a residential construction site that results in land disturbance of more than one acre and less than three acres may apply to waive the otherwise applicable requirements for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit in accordance with 40 CFR 122.26(b)(15)(i) (relating to storm water discharges (applicable to State NPDES programs, see § 123.25)).
Referred to House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, 5/11/2026
SB1236 RE: Potential Pollution. (by Sen. Dawn W. Keefer, et al)
Amends the Clean Streams Law, in other pollutions and potential pollution, further providing for potential pollution. Asserts that a construction site with construction activities that resulted in land disturbance of more than one acre and less than five acres may apply to the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to waive the otherwise applicable requirements for a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit in accordance with 40 CFR 122.26(b) (15)(i).
Reported as committed from Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, and read first time, 6/1/2026
Read second time, and re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 6/2/2026
Re-reported as committed Senate Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed Senate, 6/3/2026
Referred to House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee, 6/3/2026
Liability
NONE
Local/State Government/Regulations
SB1279 RE: Housing Construction Permits. (by Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, et al)
The Reduce the Red Tape for Housing Act provides for issuance of housing construction permits by executive agencies, for designation of Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer and for timelines for permits related to housing construction; and imposes duties on the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO). Defines “housing development project,” “office,” “permit related to housing construction” and “third-party reviewer.” Requires each executive agency that issues permits related to housing construction to designate a point of contact and submit updated permit application procedures and timelines to the Office of the Governor and OTO. Requires executive agencies to submit standards and procedures for applicant-paid third-party reviewers, including qualifications, conflict-of-interest rules, agency review procedures and requirements to follow recommendations except for clear error, serious deficiency or conflict of interest. Requires implementation of the third-party permitting standards within 180 days after approval by the Office of the Governor. Directs executive agencies to identify additional legislative, regulatory and administrative actions, use simultaneous review, when possible, recommend ways to increase predictability and transparency, digitize permit applications and fee payments within budgetary authority and reduce processing times when possible. Requires OTO to designate a Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer to assist with federal, state and local permitting processes and serve as a liaison among public bodies, developers, stakeholders and communities. Specifies duties for the officer, including coordinating executive agency activities, assisting permitting discussions, evaluating housing material supply chain improvements, compiling local permitting and zoning information, tracking housing development projects and providing updates. Requires an annual report to the chairs and minority chairs of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, the House Housing and Community Development Committee and the Senate and House Local Government Committees. Requires the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency to reimburse OTO for implementation costs upon OTO’s request. Requires an executive agency to determine application completeness within 10 business days and complete technical review within 30 business days, with one extension of no more than 15 business days. Deems an application approved if an executive agency misses a deadline unless the applicant agrees in writing to an extension
Read second time, and re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 6/1/2026
Re-reported as amended from Senate Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed Senate, 6/3/2026
Referred to House Housing and Community Development Committee, 6/3/2026
SB1281 RE: Expedited High Density Housing Approval. (by Sen. Greg Rothman, et al)
Amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in planned residential development, adding a section to provide for expedited high density housing approval. Provides for rules requiring the governing body of a municipality to issue a land use decision, in compliance with existing comprehensive plans or municipal land use regulations or statewide land use planning goals, approving the development of specified residential development types on certain lots or parcels under specified conditions under this section. Asserts that a rule established under this section shall only apply to lots or parcels that are zoned residential and served by public utilities. Outlines the residential development types that may be approved, as well as what the State Planning Board may specify for the approved residential development types allowed under this section. Provides for adopting rules and implementing this section. Requires the Department of Labor and Industry to designate a process by which an applicant for a building permit for a residential structure of a described type may receive building construction plan approval from the municipality. Defines “board,” “department” and “municipality.” Adds that nothing in this act shall be construed to authorize approval of a residential development type under the addition of section 707.1 of the act unless the development complies with the applicable zoning ordinance or land use regulation of the municipality.
Read second time, and re-referred to Senate Appropriations Committee, 6/1/2026
Re-reported as amended from Senate Appropriations Committee, read third time, and passed Senate, 6/3/2026
Referred to House Housing and Community Development Committee, 6/3/2026
Local/Property Tax Reform
NONE
Mandate Waivers
NONE
Mechanic’s Lien
NONE
Permitting
NONE
Prevailing Wage
NONE
Procurement
NONE
Occupational/ Professional Licensure
NONE
Regulatory Process
NONE
Separations Act
NONE
School Construction
HB2513 RE: Commonwealth Financing Authority. (by Rep. Robert F. Matzie, et al)
Amends the Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority. Adds intermediate units to the definition of “school entity.”
Referred to House Education Committee, 5/13/2026
State/Local Taxes
NONE
Transportation/Highways
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.
Removed from table, 6/2/2026
Read second time, and re-committed to House Appropriations Committee, 6/3/2026
Worker’s Comp
NONE
Workforce Development
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.
Approved by the Governor, 5/6/2026 Act No. 16 of 2026
Cosponsor memos filed
SCO1771- PA WORKS Program (by Sen. Gene Yaw)
Establishes the Pennsylvania Workforce, Opportunity, Retention and Knowledge Scholarship Program (PA WORKS).
Cosponsor memo filed, 5/8/2026
SCO1774 – Grant to Expand Robotics Programs in the Commonwealth (Sen. Devlin J. Robinson)
Establishes a grant program within the PA Department of Education supporting Pennsylvania’s current K–12 robotics teams and making it possible for new schools and students to participate.
Cosponsor memo filed, 5/11/2026
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/
6/10/26, 9:30 AM – Voting Meeting: Senate Transportation
Room 461, Main Capitol
Bills to be Heard:
SB1377– An Act amending Title 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in transportation infrastructure, providing for design build best value.
2026 House Session Schedule (Subject to Change)
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
June 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30
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: 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 its next regular meeting on 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.
