Browse Bills
Explore current legislation across all levels of government.
HR 10 — Reserved for the Speaker
**Bill Summary: HR 10 - "Reserved for the Speaker"** This bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives but currently has no specific content or provisions. The title "Reserved for the Speaker" indicates that the House Speaker has set aside this bill number (HR 10) for potential future legislation, but no actual policy has been proposed yet. **What it does:** Nothing at this time - it's essentially a placeholder. **Who it affects:** No one currently, as there are no provisions to implement. **What would change:** Nothing would change unless and until the Speaker assigns actual legislative content to this bill number. This is a common procedural practice where leadership reserves certain bill numbers for important future legislation. Citizens should wait for the bill's actual content to be released before it can be meaningfully evaluated for its potential impact.
HR 8 — Reserved for the Speaker
I cannot provide a meaningful summary of this bill because the document shows only basic identifying information. HR 8 is listed as "Reserved for the Speaker" with "introduced" status, but no actual bill text, summary, or description of proposed actions is provided. "Reserved for the Speaker" typically indicates this bill number has been set aside for legislation that House leadership considers a priority, but without the actual content, I cannot explain: - What the bill would do - Who it would affect - What changes it would make To get accurate information about this legislation, you would need to access the full bill text through Congress.gov or wait for more details to be released about what specific legislation will use the HR 8 designation.
HR 3 — Reserved for the Speaker
I cannot provide a meaningful summary of this bill because the document you've shared only contains basic identifying information (HR 3, "Reserved for the Speaker," introduced status) without any actual legislative content. "Reserved for the Speaker" typically means this bill number has been set aside for a priority piece of legislation that House leadership plans to introduce later, but the specific policy details haven't been made public yet. To provide you with a useful summary about what the bill does, who it affects, and what would change, I would need to see the actual text of the proposed legislation, including its provisions, sections, and policy details. If you have access to the full bill text or can provide more details about its contents, I'd be happy to summarize it in plain English for you.
HR 5 — Reserved for the Speaker
I cannot provide a meaningful summary of this bill because the document contains no substantive information. "HR 5" with the title "Reserved for the Speaker" appears to be a placeholder designation rather than an actual piece of legislation. In the U.S. House of Representatives, certain bill numbers (like HR 1-10) are often reserved early in each congressional session for major legislation that House leadership plans to introduce. The "Reserved for the Speaker" designation indicates this number is being held for future use by the Speaker of the House. Until actual legislative text and details are added to this bill number, there is no policy content to summarize - no actions proposed, no groups affected, and no changes outlined. Citizens would need to wait for the Speaker to introduce the actual legislation under this number to understand what it would do.
HB 2327 — An Act amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), known as the Pennsylvania Election Code, in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.
**What this bill does:** This bill would modify Pennsylvania's Election Code by changing the powers and duties of both the Secretary of the Commonwealth (the state's top election official) and county election boards. **Who it affects:** - The Pennsylvania Secretary of the Commonwealth - County election boards across all 67 Pennsylvania counties - Pennsylvania voters (indirectly, through changes to election administration) **What would change:** The bill would alter how election responsibilities are divided between state and county levels. However, without the specific text of the proposed changes, the exact modifications to powers and duties cannot be determined from this summary alone. **Current status:** The bill has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives but has not yet been passed into law. *Note: This summary is based on the bill's title only. The specific changes to election administration would depend on the detailed provisions within the full bill text.*
HR 497 — A Resolution recognizing October 6, 2026, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania.
This resolution would officially recognize October 6, 2026, as "German American Day" in Pennsylvania. **What it does:** Creates a formal state recognition of a single day to honor German Americans and their contributions to Pennsylvania's history and culture. **Who it affects:** This is primarily symbolic and would affect German American communities in Pennsylvania by providing official state acknowledgment. It may also affect schools, cultural organizations, and local governments that might choose to commemorate the day. **What would change:** Very little would change practically. This is a ceremonial resolution that doesn't create new laws, require funding, or mandate any activities. It simply adds October 6, 2026, to the state's calendar of recognized days. Organizations and individuals could use this official recognition to organize cultural events, educational programs, or community celebrations, but participation would be voluntary. The resolution is a one-time recognition for 2026 only, not an annual designation.
HR 468 — A Resolution urging municipal governments and encouraging farmers, landowners and residents throughout Pennsylvania to open their lands to public hunting and make greater use of existing deer management programs and permits available through the Pennsylvania Game Commission.
**What it does:** This resolution urges Pennsylvania's local governments, farmers, landowners, and residents to allow public hunting on their properties and utilize deer management programs offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. **Who it affects:** - Municipal governments - Private landowners, farmers, and residents - Hunters seeking access to hunting areas - The Pennsylvania Game Commission **What would change:** If adopted, this resolution would encourage (but not require) more private and public lands to be opened for hunting access. It would promote greater use of existing state deer management programs and permits. Since this is a resolution rather than a law, it serves as an official recommendation without creating legal mandates. The goal appears to be increasing hunting opportunities while supporting wildlife management efforts. The resolution does not create new programs or requirements - it simply encourages broader participation in existing hunting access and deer management systems already available through the state.
HR 479 — A Resolution honoring the memory of law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
**What it does:** This resolution formally honors and recognizes law enforcement officers who have died while performing their duties. **Who it affects:** - Families and colleagues of deceased law enforcement officers - Law enforcement agencies and communities - The general public, particularly those who value recognizing public service **What would change:** As a resolution, this creates no new laws or policies. Instead, it serves as an official legislative statement of respect and remembrance. It would formally acknowledge the sacrifices made by officers killed in the line of duty and may be used in memorial ceremonies or public recognition events. Resolutions like this are symbolic gestures that express the legislature's position on an issue but don't create binding legal requirements or change government operations. The practical impact is primarily ceremonial - providing official recognition that families and law enforcement communities can reference.
HB 2386 — An Act establishing the State Board of Opticianry; and providing for registration of opticians.
**What it does:** This bill would create a new state regulatory board specifically for opticians and establish a system requiring opticians to register with the state. **Who it affects:** - Opticians (professionals who fit and dispense eyeglasses and contact lenses) - Consumers who purchase eyewear from opticians - The optical/eyewear industry in the state **What would change:** Currently, opticians in this state appear to operate without specific state oversight. If passed, this bill would: - Create a formal State Board of Opticianry to oversee the profession - Require opticians to register with the state, likely involving meeting certain qualifications and paying fees - Establish standards and potentially disciplinary procedures for opticians - Provide consumers with more regulatory protection when getting eyewear services This represents a move toward increased professional regulation in the optical field, similar to how other healthcare-related professions are overseen by state boards.
HB 2375 — An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements, for establishment of charter school, for causes for nonrenewal or termination, for powers and duties of department, for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for establishment of cyber charter school; and, in the State Board of Education, further providing for powers and duties of the board.
This Pennsylvania bill would change how charter schools and cyber charter schools operate in the state. **What it does:** The bill modifies the Public School Code of 1949 to update rules for charter schools, including how they're defined, established, and regulated. It also changes requirements for cyber charter schools and gives the State Board of Education new responsibilities. **Who it affects:** - Students and families using charter and cyber charter schools - Charter school operators and staff - Traditional public school districts - The Pennsylvania Department of Education and State Board of Education **What would change:** The bill would likely alter how charter schools are approved, renewed, or closed, and could change operating requirements. It may also modify oversight responsibilities between state agencies and local school districts regarding charter schools. Since the bill was only recently introduced, specific details about the exact changes aren't provided in this summary. The full text would contain the precise modifications to current law.
HB 2387 — An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in particular rights and immunities, providing for liability for wrongful death of companion animal.
**Summary of Pennsylvania House Bill 2387** This bill would allow people to sue for monetary damages when their companion animal (pet) dies due to someone else's wrongful actions, similar to existing wrongful death laws for humans. **What it does:** Creates a legal right for pet owners to seek financial compensation when their pet dies because of another person's negligent or intentional harmful actions. **Who it affects:** - Pet owners who lose their animals due to others' actions - People who might be held liable for causing a pet's death (veterinarians, drivers, etc.) - Courts and the legal system **What would change:** Currently, pets are generally treated as property under Pennsylvania law, limiting compensation to the animal's market value. This bill would potentially allow owners to recover damages for emotional distress, veterinary bills, and other losses related to their pet's wrongful death. The bill has been introduced but not yet passed into law.
HB 2395 — An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.
**What it does:** This bill proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to add new exclusions from the state's sales and use tax, meaning certain items or transactions would no longer be subject to these taxes. **Who it affects:** - Pennsylvania consumers who would pay less tax on excluded items - Businesses that sell excluded items (reduced tax collection responsibilities) - Pennsylvania state government (reduced tax revenue) **What would change:** Specific goods, services, or transactions would become tax-exempt, reducing the cost for consumers and potentially boosting sales of those items. The state would collect less revenue from sales and use taxes. **Important note:** The summary doesn't specify which items would be excluded from taxation. To understand the full impact, you would need to review the detailed bill text to see exactly what products or services would become tax-exempt. This change would take effect if the bill passes the Pennsylvania legislature and is signed into law.
HB 2454 — An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.
**What it does:** This bill proposes to amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to add new exclusions from the state's sales and use tax, meaning certain items or transactions would no longer be taxed. **Who it affects:** - Pennsylvania consumers who would no longer pay sales tax on the newly excluded items - Businesses that sell these items (they wouldn't need to collect tax on them) - State and local governments that would receive less tax revenue **What would change:** The specific items or services that would become tax-exempt are not detailed in this summary, but whatever they are would become cheaper for consumers since they wouldn't include sales tax. The state would collect less revenue from sales taxes, which could affect funding for public services or require budget adjustments elsewhere. **Current status:** The bill has been introduced but not yet passed into law. *Note: The full text would be needed to identify exactly which items or services would be excluded from taxation.*
HB 2451 — An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.
**What it does:** This bill proposes changes to Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971, specifically modifying which items are excluded from sales and use tax. **Who it affects:** All Pennsylvania consumers who purchase goods and services subject to sales tax, as well as businesses that collect and remit these taxes. **What would change:** The bill would expand or modify the list of items that are exempt from Pennsylvania's sales and use tax. Without seeing the specific text, the exact items being excluded cannot be determined, but this type of legislation typically exempts certain necessities, services, or products from taxation. **Impact:** Depending on what's excluded, consumers could pay less tax on certain purchases, while the state would collect less revenue from those items. Businesses would need to update their tax collection systems to reflect any new exemptions. *Note: The specific items being excluded from tax are not detailed in the summary provided.*
HB 2457 — An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.
**What it does:** This bill would amend Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code of 1971 to add new exclusions from the state's sales and use tax - meaning certain items or transactions would no longer be subject to these taxes. **Who it affects:** - Pennsylvania consumers who would pay less tax on excluded items - Businesses that sell excluded items (simplified tax collection) - State government (reduced tax revenue) - Local governments that receive portions of sales tax revenue **What would change:** Specific goods or services would become exempt from Pennsylvania's sales and use tax, making them cheaper for consumers to purchase. The exact items being excluded aren't specified in this summary, but typical exclusions might include necessities like food, medicine, or clothing, or specific business equipment. **Current status:** The bill has been introduced but not yet passed into law. *Note: The specific items to be excluded would need to be reviewed in the full bill text to provide complete details.*
HB 2348 — An Act amending the act of November 30, 2004 (P.L.1672, No.213), known as the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act, further providing for definitions, for interconnection standards for customer-generator facilities and for interagency responsibilities.
**HB 2348 Summary** This Pennsylvania bill would update the state's Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act from 2004. The bill makes changes to three main areas: **What it does:** - Updates definitions related to alternative energy standards - Revises rules for connecting customer-owned energy generation systems (like solar panels) to the electrical grid - Clarifies which state agencies are responsible for what tasks **Who it affects:** - Homeowners and businesses who generate their own renewable energy - Utility companies that manage the electrical grid - State agencies overseeing energy policy - Consumers who may benefit from expanded renewable energy options **What would change:** - Potentially easier processes for connecting personal renewable energy systems to the grid - Clearer government oversight responsibilities - Updated technical standards and definitions to reflect current technology The bill is currently introduced and would need to pass through the legislative process to become law. The specific impacts would depend on the exact language of the amendments, which aren't detailed in this summary.
HB 2462 — An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to civil actions and proceedings, providing for prohibiting agreements exempting recreational facilities from liability.
This Pennsylvania bill would change state law to prohibit recreational facilities from using liability waivers that completely exempt them from responsibility for injuries. **What it does:** The bill would ban agreements (like waivers you sign before activities) that allow recreational facilities to avoid all legal responsibility when someone gets hurt. **Who it affects:** - Recreational facilities (gyms, sports complexes, adventure parks, etc.) - People who participate in recreational activities at these facilities - Anyone who currently signs liability waivers **What would change:** - Recreational facilities could no longer use blanket waivers to avoid all lawsuits - Injured participants would have more legal options to seek compensation - Facilities might need to rely more on insurance and safety measures rather than waivers - Some facilities might adjust their operations or pricing to account for increased liability exposure The bill aims to ensure recreational facilities maintain some legal responsibility for participant safety, even when waivers are signed.
HR 2 — Reserved for the Speaker
I cannot provide a meaningful summary of this bill because the document lacks essential information. **What's missing:** - The actual title and content of the legislation (it only shows "Reserved for the Speaker") - No description of what the bill would do - No details about who would be affected - No information about proposed changes to current law **Current status:** The bill has been introduced in the House of Representatives and assigned number HR 2, but the substantive content is not available in this document. To get a proper summary, you would need access to the full text of the bill once it's officially titled and its contents are made public. Bill numbers are sometimes reserved before the actual legislation is drafted and introduced.
HB 2480 — An Act requiring automated external defibrillators at utility or electrical worksites; imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry; and imposing penalties.
**What it does:** This bill would require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be available at utility and electrical work sites. It would give the Department of Labor and Industry new responsibilities for overseeing this requirement and establish penalties for non-compliance. **Who it affects:** - Utility companies and electrical contractors who would need to purchase and maintain AEDs at their worksites - Workers at these sites who would have access to life-saving equipment during cardiac emergencies - The Department of Labor and Industry, which would gain new regulatory duties **What would change:** - Utility and electrical worksites would be required to have AEDs on hand - Companies would face potential penalties if they don't comply - Workers in these industries would have better access to emergency cardiac care - The state would have new regulations to enforce regarding workplace safety equipment This safety measure aims to improve emergency response capabilities at worksites where electrical hazards could increase the risk of cardiac incidents.
HB 2485 — An Act amending the act of March 10, 1949 (P.L.30, No.14), known as the Public School Code of 1949, in school safety and security, providing for trauma-informed records program; and imposing a penalty.
**What it does:** This bill would create a new "trauma-informed records program" within Pennsylvania's public school system and establish penalties for violations. **Who it affects:** - Public school students in Pennsylvania - School administrators, teachers, and staff - Parents and families of public school students **What would change:** Schools would be required to implement a new system for handling student records that takes into account trauma students may have experienced. This likely means training staff to recognize signs of trauma and adjusting how they document and respond to student behavior and academic performance. The bill includes penalties, suggesting schools could face consequences for not properly implementing this program. **Current status:** The bill has been introduced but not yet passed into law. *Note: Without access to the full bill text, some specific details about the program requirements and penalties cannot be provided.*
HB 2496 — An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in zoning, providing for pause on data center proposals.
This Pennsylvania bill would temporarily pause new data center development proposals in municipalities. **What it does:** The bill would amend the state's municipal planning code to allow local governments to put a temporary hold on reviewing and approving new data center projects. **Who it affects:** - Municipalities (cities, towns, townships) that want to pause data center development - Data center companies seeking to build new facilities in Pennsylvania - Local residents in areas where data centers might be proposed **What would change:** Local governments would gain the legal authority to temporarily stop processing applications for new data centers. This could give communities time to study the impacts of data centers (like energy use, traffic, noise) and potentially update their zoning rules before allowing new projects to proceed. The bill doesn't permanently ban data centers - it just creates a mechanism for temporary pauses while communities evaluate how to handle these facilities.
HB 2495 — An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in miscellaneous provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle while driving under influence.
**What it does:** This bill proposes changes to Pennsylvania's law regarding "homicide by vehicle while driving under influence" - essentially vehicular manslaughter committed by drunk drivers. **Who it affects:** - People who cause fatal accidents while driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs - Families and victims of such crashes - The criminal justice system (courts, prosecutors, law enforcement) **What would change:** The bill would modify existing penalties or procedures for prosecuting drivers who kill someone while intoxicated. Since this is just the title and status, the specific changes aren't detailed - it could involve adjusting prison sentences, fines, license suspensions, or prosecution requirements. Currently, Pennsylvania law already makes it a serious felony to cause a death while driving drunk. This bill would further refine those provisions, though the exact modifications would be found in the bill's full text. **Status:** The bill has been introduced but not yet passed into law.
2026-09298 — PE Hydro Generation, LLC; Notice of Application for Amendment to Operations Compliance Monitoring Plan and Modification of Water Quality Certification Accepted for Filing, Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Protests
**What it does:** This is a notice that PE Hydro Generation, LLC has submitted an application to modify how they monitor compliance with environmental regulations at their hydroelectric facility. They're also requesting changes to their water quality certification requirements. **Who it affects:** - PE Hydro Generation, LLC (the hydroelectric facility operator) - Local communities near the facility - Environmental groups and stakeholders - Anyone concerned about water quality in the area **What would change:** The company wants to adjust how they track and report their compliance with environmental standards, and modify the conditions of their water quality certification. The specific changes aren't detailed in this notice. **Current status:** This is just the initial filing notice. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is now accepting public comments, allowing interested parties to formally intervene in the process, and accepting protests from those who oppose the proposed changes. No decisions have been made yet.
2026-09306 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
**Government Action Summary:** This is a federal regulation requesting public comment on a government form or data collection process that needs approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). **What it does:** The government is asking for public input on a proposed form, survey, or information-gathering requirement before it becomes official. This is part of a required review process. **Who it affects:** - Citizens, businesses, or organizations who might need to fill out the form or provide the requested information - Anyone who wants to comment on whether the form is necessary, clear, or burdensome **What would change:** If approved after the review process, people or organizations in the relevant area would be required to complete this new form or provide specific information to the government. The exact requirements depend on what type of data collection is being proposed. **Next steps:** The public can submit comments during the comment period before OMB makes a final decision on approval.
2026-09305 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities' Ward Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Ketchikan, Alaska
NMFS has received a request from Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (ADOT&PF) for authorization to take marine mammals incidental to the Ward Creek Bridge Replacement Project in Ketchikan, Alaska (AK). Pursuant to the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA), NMFS is requesting comments on its proposal to issue two consecutive incidental harassment authorizations (IHAs) to incidentally take marine mammals during the specified activities. NMFS is also requesting comments on possible one-time, 1-year renewals that could be issued for either or both of the two IHAs under certain circumstances and if all requirements are met, as described in Request for Public Comments at the end of this notice. NMFS will consider public comments prior to making any final decision on the issuance of the requested MMPA authorizations.
2026-09327 — Official Seal
The Commodity Futures Trading Commission ("CFTC" or "Commission") is adopting a final rule that revises the Commission's regulations to adopt a new seal. This final rule provides a description of the new seal and its image.
2026-09289 — Signatures on Immigration Benefit Requests
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is amending its regulations governing the submission of benefit requests to provide that if U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) accepts a benefit request and determines later that it lacks a valid signature, USCIS may, in its discretion, reject or deny the request. This interim final rule (IFR or rule) will clarify USCIS procedures relating to the rejection or denial of benefit requests that do not meet regulatory requirements to ensure better enforcement of signature requirements.
2026-09280 — Security Zone; Ohio River, Cincinnati, OH
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary security zone for all navigable waters of the Ohio River, extending the entire width of the river, between mile marker (MM) 461 to MM 473. This security zone is needed to provide waterside security and protection of persons under the protection of the United States Secret Service during a visit to Cincinnati, OH. During the enforcement period, entry into, transiting, or anchoring in the security zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port Ohio Valley (COTP) or a designated on-scene U.S. Coast Guard representative.
2026-09270 — Safety Zone; Bancroft Canal, Cameron Parish, LA
The Coast Guard is establishing a temporary safety zone for navigable waters on the Bancroft Canal between points 30[deg]01'12.67" N, 093[deg]37'23.07" W, and 30[deg]01'12.03" N, 093[deg]36'18.60" W. The safety zone is needed to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment from potential hazards created by the active response and cleanup of an oil spill on the waterway. Entry of vessels or persons into this zone is prohibited unless specifically authorized by the Captain of the Port, Port Arthur.
2026-09314 — Grandfathering Registration Notice
This notice lists Grandfathering Registration for projects by the Susquehanna River Basin Commission during the period set forth in DATES.