The Week Ahead: July 7, 2025

Discover the Pivotal Legislative Sessions and Committee Meetings in Pennsylvania's House of Representatives for the Week of July 7, 2025

Overview of the Legislative Agenda

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is set for an action-packed week starting Monday, July 7, 2025. As lawmakers reconvene, the legislative calendar is brimming with critical sessions, committee meetings, fundraisers, and press conferences. For those keen on understanding the legislative process and the impending decisions that could impact their lives, this week offers a comprehensive glimpse into Pennsylvania's governance.

The session days for the week are scheduled as follows: Monday, July 7 at 12:00 PM; Tuesday, July 8 at 11:00 AM; and Wednesday, July 9 at 11:00 AM. Thursday and Friday will be non-session days. Each session promises to address crucial bills on both second and third considerations, alongside resolutions and vital committee meetings.

Important Bills on 2nd Consideration

Monday, July 7, will see a series of bills on their second consideration. These include:

• HB 97 (Kulik): This bill pertains to Title 23 and seeks to establish guidelines for pet custody in divorce cases, ensuring that pets are considered in divorce proceedings much like other valuable assets.

• HB 1093 (Madsen): An amendment to Title 75, this bill mandates that drivers secure passengers aged 8-18 with seat belts, aiming to enhance road safety for young passengers.

• HB 1299 (Ciresi): Under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law, this bill provides measures against unlawful retention policies, enhancing consumer protection.

• HB 1308 (Fleming): This legislation amends statutes related to stormwater management and municipal authority definitions, focusing on environmental sustainability and effective municipal governance.

• HB 1424 (Takac): An amendment to The Local Tax Enabling Act, this bill adjusts the delegation of taxing powers and restrictions, aiming to streamline local tax laws.

• HB 1433 (Burns): This bill amends the Funeral Director Law, easing restrictions on mortuary inspectors to facilitate smoother operations in the funeral services sector.

• HB 1540 (Siegel): Establishes the Buy America, Buy Union Grant Program and Fund, promoting the use of American-made and union-made products in procurement processes.

• HB 1545 (Guzman): Addresses vehicle registration suspensions after the sixth unpaid parking violation in first-class cities, aimed at improving compliance with parking regulations.

• HB 1668 (Bellmon): Allows Philadelphia to create a tax credit for retrofitting high-rise residences with fire sprinkler systems, enhancing fire safety measures.

• HB 1676 (Kosierowski): Establishes the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program Act to address the critical shortage of nursing professionals in the state.

• SB 475 (Cappelletti): This bill amends statutes to establish treatment courts and modify probation order revocation procedures, focusing on judicial reform and rehabilitation.

Key Bills on 3rd Consideration

The third consideration of bills is equally significant, with the following key pieces of legislation up for review:

• HB 80 (Venkat): Authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Audiology and Speech-Language Pathology Interstate Compact, enhancing collaboration and resource sharing across states.

• HB 150 (Krajewski): Repeals inmate transfer provisions and modifies imprisonment terms for illness under Title 42, focusing on humane treatment of inmates.

• HB 1319 (Harkins): Revises definitions in the Mechanics' Lien Law to provide further clarity, ensuring fair practices in the construction industry.

• HB 1358 (Green): Provides protections for hotel employees and imposes penalties for violations under Title 48, aiming to improve working conditions in the hospitality sector.

• HB 1412 (Shusterman): Modifies child custody order procedures to enhance child protection during custody changes, ensuring the welfare of children in domestic relations cases.

• HB 1505 (Hanbidge): Amends definitions in early learning programs to protect access to Pre-K Counts under the Public School Code of 1949, supporting early childhood education.

• HB 1575 (Freeman): Amends tax credit administration and supports factory or mill building revitalization, promoting economic development and job creation.

• SB 246 (Coleman): Requires schools to notify parents and employees of weapon incidents within 24 hours, enhancing school safety and communication.

• HR 275 (Sappey): Designates September 2025 as "International Underground Railroad Month," recognizing the historical significance of the Underground Railroad.

Monday's Committee Meetings and Their Agendas

Monday will also feature off-the-floor voting meetings for the House Appropriations Committee, with the agenda to be determined. This committee plays a crucial role in overseeing the allocation of funds and ensuring that the state's budget aligns with legislative priorities.

Tuesday's Legislative Highlights

Tuesday, July 8, will see additional bills on their second consideration, including:

• HB 589 (Kinkead): Establishes the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program and Fund, providing coverage for damages caused by natural disasters.

• HB 1576 (Shusterman): Amends payments to counties for children's services, ensuring timely and adequate funding for child welfare programs.

• HB 1577 (Shusterman): Ensures safe and humane practices in juvenile justice facilities, focusing on the rights and well-being of young offenders.

• HB 1591 (Neilson): Amends rules for private parking lots to collect unpaid parking fees, aiming to improve compliance and revenue collection.

• HB 1600 (Mehaffie): Establishes the Keystone STARS Program and updates licensing fees and definitions, promoting quality in early education.

• HB 1646 (Carroll): Updates provisions for the State Board of Barber Examiners to ensure smooth board operations, supporting the barbering profession.

• HB 1697 (Burns): Establishes liability for false claims, adopts federal False Claims Act intent, and creates a fraud prevention account, enhancing accountability in state programs.

• HR 219 (Haddock): Designates July 17, 2025, as the "100th anniversary of American Legion Baseball Day," celebrating a century of youth baseball programs.

Scheduled Fundraisers and Their Impact

The week also includes notable fundraisers, such as the reception in support of Senator Scott Martin on Monday, July 7, at The Lancaster Country Club. These events play a significant role in garnering financial support for legislative campaigns and initiatives, impacting the political landscape of Pennsylvania.

Press Conferences to Watch

Several press conferences are scheduled for the week, providing insights into pressing issues and legislative priorities:

• Monday, July 7, 10:30 AM: PA Reform Issues Press Conference.
• Monday, July 7, 1:00 PM: Support for the Governor's Budget for Education funding Press Event.
• Friday, July 11, 9:00 AM: Proclamation of Child Support Awareness Month.

These events offer an opportunity for lawmakers and stakeholders to communicate their agendas and engage with the public and media.

How These Legislative Decisions Affect You

The legislative decisions made during this week have far-reaching implications for residents of Pennsylvania. From enhancing road safety with stringent seat belt requirements to addressing the nursing shortage crisis, these bills aim to improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians. Additionally, initiatives like the Buy America, Buy Union Grant Program and the Nursing Shortage Assistance Program Act reflect a commitment to economic growth and healthcare improvement.

Staying informed about these legislative sessions and committee meetings enables citizens to understand and engage with the democratic process. By attending or tuning into live streams of the sessions and meetings, residents can witness the decision-making process and even contribute to discussions that shape their community's future.

In conclusion, the week of July 7, 2025, in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives promises to be eventful and impactful. With a packed agenda of legislative sessions, committee meetings, fundraisers, and press conferences, this week offers a comprehensive look into the workings of state governance. Stay informed and engaged to see how these developments unfold and affect your life and community.