Both the Pennsylvania House and Senate will return to session this week. The PA Chamber is monitoring the following legislation with the potential to impact the state’s business community.

House

House Bill 1465 proposes significant changes to the rules regulating a broad scope of public utility construction projects, including subjecting projects to the PA Prevailing Wage Act.

House Bill 1449 would establish a so-called “Responsible Contractor” law to impose strict requirements on Pennsylvania companies contracted for state public works projects.

House Bill 1481 would reverse nearly 90 years of national and state precedent by providing that individuals who voluntarily go on strike are eligible for unemployment compensation benefits.

House Bill 1751 proposes several amendments to the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act.

House Bill 1476 would suspend permitting for power generation intended to support the development of new data centers in Pennsylvania.

House Bill 1632 would dramatically expand eligibility for workers’ compensation disability benefits for various categories of employees diagnosed with mental health conditions.

House Bill 1161 would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco and nicotine products in the Commonwealth, punishable by a fine of $250 per violation.

Senate

Senate Bill 596 would establish an office of Organized Retail Crime Theft in the Attorney General’s office and lower the monetary thresholds for second and third-degree felony retail thefts.