Legislative Update

Gov. Josh Shapiro on Thursdaysigned into law SB 1150 and SB 806 that will enhance transparency in government meetings and advertisements.

SB 1150, now Act 103 of 2026, closes a loophole created by a state Supreme Court decision in Coleman v. Parkland School District that allowed government agencies to add any matter to a meeting agenda without any prior notice by a majority vote of the board. The new law limits last-minute changes to emergencies and de-minimis matters.

SB 806, now Act 99 of 2026, prohibits advertiser from creating and disseminating artificial intelligence-generated content that creates a false consumer perception about the nature, origin or authenticity of goods or services being advertised without a clear and conspicuous disclosure.

Both laws take effect on Dec. 21.

Sen. Sharif Street (D-Philadelphia) introduced SB 1501, which would create a Pennsylvania Office of Freedmen Affairs to “address enduring impacts of slavery and unfinished work of the Reconstruction on the descendants of enslaved people.” 

Rep. Zachary Mako (R-Lehigh/Northampton) plans to introduce legislation to establish a uniform 4% cap on municipal real estate tax increases to limit the financial burdens these tax bills can place on families and individuals. He wrote in his cosponsorship memo, “This commonsense reform would provide taxpayers with greater predictability while still allowing municipalities to account for rising costs and maintain essential local services.”

Sen. Gene Yaw (R-Bradford/Lycoming/Sullivan/Tioga/Union) intends to introduce legislation establishing an annual impact fee on data centers in Pennsylvania based on a facility’s size and electricity consumption, with revenue directed to communities that host these facilities.

The House on Wednesday approved SB 1150, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland) by a 182-21 vote. The bill now heads to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk for enactment.

The legislation closes a transparency loophole in the state’s Sunshine Act created by a 2025 Supreme Court decision in Coleman v. Parkland School District. The lawsuit was initiated in 2021 by Sen. Jarrett Coleman (R-Bucks/Lehigh) before he joined the Senate. That ruling allowed government agencies to add any matter to a meeting agenda without prior public notice. SB 1150 limits those last-minute additions to emergency and de minimis matters. 

Local government associations sought amendments that would have weakened the Sunshine Act’s public notice requirements, raising concerns that significant government actions could be considered with little public awareness or scrutiny. After three days of lobbying by PNA’s team in opposition to the proposed changes, the House approved the measure in the same form unanimously passed by the Senate.

Two bills sponsored by Rep. Chris Rabb (D-Philadelphia) that would provide state-funded grants to support local journalism and journalism fellowships passed the House on Wednesday by a 103-100 party-line vote.

HB 2047 would establish a local news fellowship program, giving priority to underserved communities with limited access to original local news while also considering geographic and demographic diversity.

HB 2048 would establish the Pennsylvania Civic Information Consortium, which would award state-funded grants to help address local journalism gaps in underserved communities. The consortium also would support efforts to increase civic participation, promote government accountability, advance equity and inclusion, and strengthen public-interest journalism.

The bills now go to the Senate for consideration. To read a press release, click here.

Senate Bill 806, sponsored by Sen. Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), which takes aim at artificial intelligence deceptive advertising, sits on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s desk awaiting his signature. If signed, it would take effect 60 days after enactment.

The bill would prohibit advertisers from creating or disseminating or causing the creation or dissemination of, advertisements containing “synthetic content” in a way that creates a false consumer perception about the nature, origin, or authenticity of the advertised goods or services. Advertisements using such content would be required to include a clear and conspicuous disclosure stating that the advertisement contains content modified or generated using AI.

Under the legislation, the disclosure must be displayed the first time the synthetic content is shown to a consumer, appear in the same medium as the AI-generated content; and be permanent or otherwise difficult to remove.

Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) introduced HR 660, which directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study of security at magisterial district courts to help ensure the safety of court personnel and the public who interact with them.

Rep. Tim Briggs (D-Montgomery) introduced HB 2840, which would prohibit websites from charging individuals to remove booking photographs. He wrote in his cosponsorship memo that 16 states have enacted similar laws and it’s time for Pennsylvania to follow suit.

Rep. Tim Brennan (D-Bucks) introduced HR 653, which would direct the Joint State Government Commission to evaluate whether Pennsylvania is collecting the data to assess artificial intelligence’s impact on the workforce. The resolution also calls for recommendations on what additional data that should be collected.

The Senate on Monday amended SB 1408, sponsored by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Berks/Montgomery) to add transparency requirements for proposed data center projects. As introduced, the bill would have prohibited municipalities from entering into nondisclosure agreements with data center developers. A Senate committee amended the measure to require at least two public hearings and public notice advertisements before a data center application can be approved. The bill is now poised for consideration by the full Senate.

Rep. Carl Metzgar (R-Somerset) plans to introduce legislation that would allow Pennsylvania resident hunters to decide when firearms deer season begins. Under his proposal, hunting license applications would include a question asking hunters whether the season should start on the Saturday after Thanksgiving or the Monday after Thanksgiving. The preferred option would remain in effect for 10 years.

He wrote in his cosponsorship memo, “This approach would provide long-term certainty and help settle a debate that has persisted for years, while still allowing the hunting community to revisit the issue as opinions and traditions change over time.”

Rep. Scott Barger (R-Blair/Huntingdon) plans to introduce legislation that would allow local governments to impose a per-megawatt-hour (MWh) impact fee on electricity used by data centers. His proposal would permit the fee to increase with inflation and ensure the revenue generated remains in the communities where a data center is located.

Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) intends to offer a resolution urging the federal government to act swiftly to establish guardrails for the ethical and responsible development of artificial intelligence. “The scale of AI means this will take action across all levels of government, including international collaboration as well as state-level tailoring of safeguards on how AI is used to protect the interests of local residents,” he wrote in his cosponsorship memo.

The House on Tuesday voted 115-88 to pass HB 280, sponsored by Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia), which would allow registered voters who are not affiliated with a political party to vote in primary elections for the nomination of candidates seeking public office.

Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland/Dauphin/Perry) plans to introduce a constitutional amendment that would enshrine the right to hunt, fish and trap in Pennsylvania. In a cosponsorship memo, he wrote the amendment would protect those activities as part of the state’s heritage and way of life.

Rep. Jim Haddock (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) plans to introduce legislation that would require the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to livestream all commission meetings and make video recordings available on their websites or a widely accessible third-party video platform. He wrote in his cosponsorship memo, “This will ensure that the public has ready access to what has transpired during these meetings.”

Rep. Anita Kulik (D-Allegheny) plans to introduce a resolution to directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to evaluate the potential cost savings from consolidating overlapping services, functions and physical assets of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, while preserving the agencies’ independent governance structure.

Rep. Anthony Bellmon (D-Philadelphia) intends to offer legislation that would require rideshare drivers to display clear signage in their vehicles informing passengers when audio or video recording is taking place. In his co-sponsorship memo, Bellmon said the proposal would promote transparency and safety.

Sen. Marty Flynn (D-Lackawanna/Luzerne) signaled his intention to offer legislation that would prohibit artificial intelligence companies from knowingly generating, facilitating, or distributing child sexual abuse material in Pennsylvania. He indicated the proposal is intended to address the misuse of AI technology in creating and disseminating illegal exploitative content involving minors.

Rep. Valerie Gaydos (R-Allegheny) intends to offer a constitutional amendment to reform the reapportionment process. Her proposal would require approval from four of the five Legislative Reapportionment Commission members before a district plan could be adopted. It also would mandate public disclosure of all submissions and proposed map changes and require General Assembly members’ input on their districts’ communities of interest.

Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) plans to offer legislation that would prohibit corporations from making contributions intended to influence the outcome of an election or ballot question.  “Pennsylvanians are sick of corporate and dark money in politics. Please join me in restoring trust and fairness in elections in our commonwealth,” Kearney wrote in his cosponsorship memo. Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery) has offered a similar legislation in the House, HB 2728.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation that would ban the use of Automated License Plate Readers in Pennsylvania, except for the Pennsylvania Turnpike cameras used solely for toll collection purposes. He wrote in his cosponsorship memo, “These camera networks are the enemy of our privacy, and we need to protect Pennsylvanians from a surveillance state where their movements are constantly tracked.” Efforts to restrict or ban the use of ALPRs are drawing bipartisan support. Other lawmakers have introduced or proposed similar legislation.

Rep. Christina Sappey (D-Chester) intends to introduce legislation requiring data center owners to submit a detailed decommissioning plan for the facility with financial assurance to cover that cost before construction or permitting can take place. Additionally, she plans to offer a resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to study aspects of data center decommissioning  such as its  environmental, fiscal, and local government impacts on communities.

Rep. Jill Cooper (R-Westmoreland) plans to offer legislation intending to bring transparency to the decision-making process when a public college or university looks to close a branch or campus. Her proposal would require the education secretary to publish a notice in the Pennsylvania Bulletin upon receiving a closure application and post the full application and supporting materials on the department’s website. It further would require a 30-day public comment period before a decision is made, give legislators the opportunity to hold a hearing about the closure, and eliminates the default approval if the secretary doesn’t make a decision on the closure within six months. Final determinations would be posted on the department’s website.

The House on Tuesday swore in newly elected Rep. Brandon Dukes (D-Butler) to fill the 12^th District seat for the remainder of the 2025-26 legislative session, which ends Nov. 30. The seat has been vacant since late March following the resignation of former Rep. Stephenie Scialabba, a Republican. Dukes, the first Democrat to represent the district in nearly 30 years, expands the House Democratic majority to 103-100. 

Rep. Kyle Donahue (D-Lackawanna) intends to offer legislation requiring data center developers seeking zoning or land-use approval to demonstrate that they have submitted an interconnection application to the appropriate electric utility and paid all required fees and costs. “This simple requirement filters out speculative data center proposals, saves time for local elected officials and planning boards, and safeguards community resources,” he wrote in his cosponsorship memo.

Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) signaled his intention to offer legislation clarifying that the state’s prohibition on law enforcement officers being within 100 feet of a polling place, except in limited circumstances, applies to all federal, state and local officers.

Rep. Jared Solomon (D-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation that would increase the penalties for civil and criminal violations involving failure to register as a political action committee, late campaign finance report filing and failure to file reports. In his cosponsorship memo, he described the current penalties as “shockingly small.” He wrote, “We cannot stand idly by, waiting for criminals to receive a slap on the wrist for flouting laws and attempting to corrupt our elections.”

There is still time to make plans to join us for Day on the Hill on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at the Pennsylvania Capitol as part of National Newspaper Week.

The event will bring together publishers and other news media executives to discuss policy issues affecting the industry, gain insight into the legislative process, hear how the upcoming election could impact the 2027-28 legislative session, and learn more about the center of state government.

Attendees will enjoy exclusive experiences, including a tour of the historic Senate Library, a visit to the Treasury Department’s Unclaimed Property vault, and a look by the Capitol historian at the history and significance of the Ryan Office Building, the oldest building on the Capitol Complex. In addition, participants will have the opportunity to meet directly with state lawmakers and legislative leaders.

Attendance is limited, but a few spots remain available. If you or a member of your executive team plans to attend, please contact janm@pa-news.org by Aug. 31. We hope you’ll join us for this informative and engaging day, and we believe it will be well worth the trip to Harrisburg.

Rep. Nancy Guenst (D-Montgomery) is proposing legislation to lower the age for a jury duty exemption from 75 to 70. “Lowering the jury duty exemption age is a practical step toward supporting the health, well-being, and quality of life of Pennsylvania’s senior citizens,” she wrote in her cosponsorship memo.

Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) plans to introduce legislation that would require the House and Senate Republican and Democratic information technology departments to consolidate. Ciresi said in his cosponsorship memo this would save money and reduce security risks associated with duplicative services.

Sen. Tim Kearney (D-Delaware) intends to introduce a constitutional amendment that would repeal the uniformity clause in the Pennsylvania Constitution. That clause requires taxes to be applied uniformly, with limited exemptions. In a cosponsorship memo, Kearney wrote it “prohibits the commonwealth from adopting a more just tax system that would benefit everyday Pennsylvanians.”

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed a $50.8 billion budget for 2026-27 on Sunday evening. The spending plan provides additional funding for education while avoiding tax increases and preserving the state’s Rainy Day Fund. However, it leaves out several key priorities the governor wanted to address.

Here are stories from some member publications detailing what is and is not included in the budget:

• PennLive: Shapiro signs budget deal that goes big on education, punts on other key issues
• Pennsylvania Capital Star: Gov. Shapiro signs $50.8 billion compromise budget, despite some opposition in both parties
• The Philadelphia Inquirer: Pa. lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have approved a $50.8 billion state budget, delaying action on key issues
• Spotlight PA: Pa. adopts $50.8B budget that sends more money to poorest schools, skips difficult policy questions
• LNP | Lancasteronline.com: Pa. lawmakers adopt new state budget several weeks late without using emergency funds
• The Center Square: In new budget, Shapiro and lawmakers shun concerns on data center proposals

Rep. Brad Roae (R-Erie/Crawford) intends to offer legislation that would give legislators the choice of opting out of the statutorily provided annual cost-of-living adjustment through their term of office. Recognizing eliminating that law or freezing pay raises for a year lack the support needed to pass, he said his proposal allows members who do not want the COLA not have to take it.

Rep. Manuel Guzman (D-Berks) plans to introduce legislation establishing a balanced, risk-based framework for developers of advanced AI systems that lays out expectations for safety practices and incident reporting while protecting trade secrets, proprietary information, and innovation.

Rep. Melissa Shusterman (D-Chester) plans to offer legislation directing the state departments of Labor & Industry and Community and Economic Development to prepare a report for the General Assembly on the impact of artificial intelligence on Pennsylvania’s workforce. The report would examine how AI can enhance workers’ capabilities, identify industries where employees are most likely to be displaced or otherwise affected by the technology, and provide recommendations to prevent worker displacement.

Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) intends to introduce legislation requiring artificial intelligence developers to publish and annually update catastrophic-risk management frameworks, hire independent auditors annually to verify compliance to safety practices, report safety incidents to state officials within 72 hours; and provide whistleblower protections for employees who raise legitimate safety concerns. “By enacting these measures, we can foster public trust and position Pennsylvania as a national leader in consumer protection,” she wrote in her cosponsorship memo.

Rep. Catherine Wallen (R-Adams/Cumberland) intends to introduce legislation that would restrict the use of the word “state” in the names and advertising of fairs across Pennsylvania. According to her cosponsorship memo, this measure would “keep all fairs across the state on the same level and not allude that they are recognized as the Official State fair of Pennsylvania. The only event that truly has claim to that title is the Pennsylvania Farm Show that is held annually in Harrisburg.”

The House on Wednesdayvoted 193-9 to approve HB 2146, sponsored by Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), which limits the exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s requirement that government boards publish meeting agendas at least 24 hours in advance. The measure allows boards, by majority vote, to add items to their agenda to address minor administrative matters when a delay would create a hardship. These matters include personnel actions limited to firings, leaves, investigations, or disciplinary actions; time-sensitive legal filings; and purchases or bill approvals below the telephonic bidding threshold (currently $13,200) for repairs to municipal property.  PNA supports this bill.

A similar measure, SB 1150, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland), would further limit exceptions to the 24-hour rule to emergencies; matters of a de minimis nature, including those raised by a resident or taxpayer during a meeting that do not involve public funds or the creation of contracts; and matters raised during a meeting that can be referred to staff or placed on a future agenda. PNA supports the bill.

The House on Tuesday voted 171-31 to pass HB 2359, sponsored by Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery). The measure adds a prohibition on nondisclosure agreements as a condition for data centers to qualify for the sales-and-use tax exemption on computer equipment purchases. It does not apply to centers that already hold a sales-and-use tax exemption when the legislation takes effect.

Rep. Josh Kail (R-Beaver/Washington) plans to introduce legislation that would require local governments to levy a special assessment on data center owners or operators to cover property taxes for residents age 65 and older. “This legislation will represent the floor, and nothing will stop the municipalities from negotiating for additional benefits as part of a local community agreement,” he wrote in his cosponsorship memo.

Rep. Chris Pielli (D-Chester) intends to offer legislation that would prohibit data centers from obtaining public utilities status, limiting where they can be developed. This designation allows developers to preempt local zoning ordinances, evoke eminent domain, and acquire development rights, rights of way and property for projects benefiting private corporations. Sen. Katie Muth offered a companion bill, SB 1385, in the Senate.

Rep. Steven Mentzer (R-Lancaster) signaled his plans to introduce legislation that would limit the automatic annual cost-of-living increase that Pennsylvania public officials receive to no more than the annual increase given to Social Security beneficiaries.

The House voted 131-71 on Monday to pass HB 2037, sponsored by Rep. Ben Waxman (D-Philadelphia). The measure would bar public officials and their immediate families from issuing, creating, sponsoring, endorsing or promoting a digital asset, such as cryptocurrency, for personal gain during their time in office. It would apply to the governor, lieutenant governor, heads of state departments, statewide row officers and lawmakers. The official or an immediate family member who engaged in this activity before the start of an official’s term would be required to divest from the asset within 90 days.

The House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee on Tuesday approved HB 2626 from Rep. Nathan Davidson (D-Cumberland/Dauphin). The bill would prohibit the use of dynamic pricing through electronic price tags in retail settings.

Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-Lehigh/Northampton) plans to introduce legislation that would limit screen time for kindergarten through second-grade students as a way to boost cognitive and language development. The measure would prohibit these children from taking home school-issued devices and bar schools from using devices daily as a substitute for foundational learning.

The House Communications & Technology Committee, chaired by Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery), will hold an informational meeting at 10 a.m. June 30 on what science and government are doing to identify and understand anomalous objects and signals.

Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-Allegheny/Washington) signaled plans to introduce legislation that would call for a special election if the state fails to pass an on-time budget.  She wrote in her cosponsorship memo,  “This proposal is meant to prompt a necessary conversation about improving the budget process and to ensure that the people of Pennsylvania have a meaningful way to hold their government accountable.”

The House Finance Committee Wednesday approved HB 2650, sponsored by Rep. Joe Webster (D-Montgomery), that would set  standards for developers seeking tax incentives for data center projects. Gov. Josh Shapiro called for this measure in his February budget address. It would require protections for energy affordability, mandate transparency through engagement with local government and residents, ensure projects deliver economic benefits to nearby communities and include environmental safeguards. Sen. John Kane (D-Chester/Delaware) plans to offer a companion bill in the Senate.

Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) intends to offer legislation establishing a publicly accessible database of publicly financed affordable housing properties across the commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency would administer the database in coordination with local agencies. It would include each property’s location, ownership information, the expiration date of affordability restrictions, and eligibility for affordability programs.  

Rep. Nikki Rivera (D-Lancaster) plans to introduce legislation to increase transparency and oversight in the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. The measure would require more disclosure on how scholarships are used and enhance oversight of scholarship-granting organizations. It also would prioritize scholarships for students who live in an attendance area with low-achieving public schools or attend a nonpublic schools in low-income areas, and expand funding for child care.

The Senate on Wednesday unanimously approved SB 1150, sponsored by Sen. Pat Stefano (R-Bedford/Fayette/Somerset/Westmoreland), to narrow exceptions to the Sunshine Act’s requirement that government boards publish meeting agendas at least 24 hours in advance. The bill clarifies that exceptions to the 24-hour rule are limited to emergencies; matters of a de minimis nature, including those raised by a resident or taxpayer during a meeting that do not involve public funds or the creation of contracts; and matters raised during a meeting that can be referred to staff or placed on a future agenda. PNA supports the bill, which goes to the House for consideration.

This legislation addresses concerns stemming from a state Supreme Court ruling that allowed government boards, by majority vote, to consider nearly any matter during a meeting without prior public notification.

A similar bill, HB 2146, sponsored by Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), awaits action in the House. It includes additional exceptions for minor administrative matters where a delay would create a hardship, such as personnel actions limited to firings, leaves, investigations or disciplinary actions; time-sensitive legal filings; and purchases or bill approvals below the telephonic bidding threshold (currently $13,200) for repairs to municipal property. PNA also supports this bill.

The House on Monday voted 139-63 to pass HB 1678, sponsored by Rep. Elizabeth Fiedler (D-Philadelphia) that imposes the state’s 5% gross receipts tax on digital advertising services provided by large tech and social media platforms. It directs the revenue it would generate to property tax relief. The legislation provides an exemption for broadcast and news media entities. 

The House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee on Tuesday unanimously approved HB 1780, sponsored by Rep. Manuel Guzman (D-Berks). The measure would require merchants to disclose any credit card surcharge before a transaction and prohibit surcharges that exceed the cost of processing the payment. It would assign enforcement authority to the attorney general’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Rep. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia) plans to introduce legislation that would cap what transportation network companies can charge at no more than 20% above the amount paid to drivers during periods when ride demand exceeds driver availability.

Rep. Joe Ciresi (D-Montgomery) plans to introduce legislation that would impose a three-year moratorium on the sale of children’s toys containing AI chatbots, allowing time for more research on their effects and for industry and government safeguards to catch up.