SB 146 is sponsored by Devlin J. Robinson (Republican), Patrick J. Stefano (Republican), Jay Costa (Democratic), Tracy Pennycuick (Republican), Rosemary M. Brown (Republican), Wayne D. Fontana (Democratic), Camera Bartolotta (Republican), Michele Brooks (Republican), and Lisa Baker (Republican).

Where can I track SB 146?

Track SB 146 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

Pennsylvania 2025_0 Regular Session Status: Enacted Bipartisan · 7 R · 2 D cosponsors

SB 146 — An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in emergency COVID-19 response, providing for extension of use of certain funds; in Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program, further providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in cigarette sales and licensing, further providing for definitions and providing for allowable mode of operations for licensed cigarette stamping agents; in joint underwriting association, further providing for fund transfers; providing for food processing residuals; in financially distressed municipalities, further providing for financial recovery; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund and providing for deep wells and Utica Shale permits and for well plugging; providing for manufacturing and investment tax credit, for Innovate in PA 2.0 Tax Credit and for design build best value; in human services, further providing for medical assistance payments for institutional care, for resident care and related costs and for LIFE Program and providing for transition to chip-enabled access cards, for Medical Assistance Reentry Program, for Children's Trust Fund and for medical assistance pharmacy services; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional zone for shipbuilding and for additional zones; providing for residential revitalization keystone opportunity zones and for violent incident clearance and technological investigative methods; in special funds, further providing for funding and for Pennsylvania Convention Center; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, providing for Veterans' Trust Fund Board and further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for deposits and providing for Professional Licensure Augmentation Account; in general budget implementation, further providing for Executive Offices, for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Corrections, for Department of Labor and Industry and for Department of Transportation, providing for Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and further providing for Commonwealth Financing Authority, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land, for Multimodal Transportation Fund, for School Safety and Security Fund, for State Gaming Fund, for State Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account and for Public School Employees' Retirement System Restricted Account; in retirement, providing for 2026 special ad hoc municipal police and firefighter postretirement adjustment, for supplemental annuities for public school employees commencing 2026, for supplemental annuities for State employees commencing 2026 and for payment of supplemental annuity and special ad hoc postretirement adjustment; in electricity load forecast accountability, providing for energy and water reporting and for advanced transmission technologies; in 2025-2026 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Agriculture, for Department of Human Services and for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency; providing for 2026-2027 budget implementation and for 2026-2027 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; in fiscal supplements to statutory programs, providing for amusement tax clarification, for situs for local sales tax for cities of the first class, for situs for local sales tax for counties of the second class, for net income and for housing; abrogating a regulation; making repeals; providing for suspension of pension actuarial notes; and making editorial changes.

Last action July 13, 2026 — Act No. 21 of 2026, July 12, 2026

✓
Introduced
✓
In Committee
✓
Passed Senate
✓
Passed House
✓
To Executive
6
Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 22, 2025. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Josh Shapiro (Democratic) on July 12, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 98% · high confidence

Enacted

Current position in the legislative process.
9 sponsors

1 primary, 8 co-sponsors signed on.
Bipartisan support

Sponsored across 2 parties (7 R · 2 D) — cross-party backing.
Cleared a recorded vote

Passed 6 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill amends the Fiscal Code to address various financial and operational measures in response to COVID-19.

This legislation makes multiple amendments to the Fiscal Code, including funding allocations for child care, veterans, and municipalities. It also updates various operational practices related to health services, taxes, and energy reporting.

What this means for you

Workers: Workers in health services might benefit from enhanced medical assistance payments.
Families: Families may see improvements in child care support and resources through extended funding.
Small Business: Small businesses could experience changes due to updates in local tax regulations and funding opportunities.

Summary

Enhanced Review of Veterans' Trust Fund Grant Applications

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

19 added · 145 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to SB 146 introduces a Grant Evaluation Committee within the Veterans' Trust Fund. This committee will be responsible for evaluating grants related to veterans' services and will include members appointed by the Adjutant General. The change is significant because it aims to enhance oversight and ensure that funds are used effectively to support veterans in Pennsylvania.

~~PRIOR~~ PRINTER'S NO.

93 ~~PRINTER'S~~THE ~~NO.~~GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.

~~131~~146 ~~THE~~2025 ~~GENERAL~~INTRODUCED ~~ASSEMBLY~~BY OFBAKER, ~~PENNSYLVANIA~~BROOKS, ~~SENATE~~BARTOLOTTA, ~~BILL~~FONTANA, ~~Session~~BROWN, PENNYCUICK, COSTA AND STEFANO, JANUARY 22, 2025 REFERRED TO VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, JANUARY 22, 2025 AN ACT Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of ~~No.~~the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund.

146 2025 INTRODUCED BY BAKER, BROOKS, BARTOLOTTA, FONTANA, BROWN, PENNYCUICK, COSTA AND STEFANO, JANUARY 22, 2025 SENATOR MASTRIANO, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, AS AMENDED, JANUARY 28, 2025 AN ACT Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund;

~~AND ESTABLISHING THE <-- VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD.~~

Section 1721 of Title 51 of the Pennsylvania ~~<--~~ Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read:

~~SECTION~~20250SB0146PN0093 1.- 2 -

~~SECTION 1721(E) OF TITLE 51 OF THE PENNSYLVANIA <-- CONSOLIDATED STATUTES IS AMENDED AND THE SECTION IS AMENDED BY ADDING A SUBSECTION TO READ:~~

~~§ 1721.~~

~~VETERANS' TRUST FUND.~~

* * * 20250SB0146PN0131 - 2 - (E) OPERATION.-- (1) THE DEPARTMENT SHALL ADOPT A STATEMENT OF POLICY FOR THE MAINTENANCE AND USE OF THE FUND WITHIN 60 DAYS OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION.

THE POLICY SHALL BE PUBLISHED AS A NOTICE IN THE PENNSYLVANIA BULLETIN, BUT SHALL NOT BE SUBJECT TO REVIEW UNDER SECTION 205 OF THE ACT OF JULY 31, 1968 (P.L.769, NO.240), REFERRED TO AS THE COMMONWEALTH DOCUMENTS LAW, SECTIONS 204(B) AND 301(10) OF THE ACT OF OCTOBER 15, 1980 (P.L.950, NO.164), KNOWN AS THE COMMONWEALTH ATTORNEYS ACT OR THE ACT OF JUNE 25, 1982 (P.L.633, NO.181), KNOWN AS THE REGULATORY REVIEW ACT.

~~(2) THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD IS ESTABLISHED AS AN ADVISORY BOARD WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT.~~

~~THE FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:~~

~~(I) THE PURPOSE OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD IS TO INCREASE DONATIONS TO ENSURE THE EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT AND IMPACTFUL DISTRIBUTION OF MONEY IN THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND.~~

~~(II) THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL HAVE THE FOLLOWING DUTIES:~~

~~(A) ADVISE THE DEPARTMENT ON THE PRIORITIES OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND GRANTS.~~

~~(B) REVIEW VETERANS' TRUST FUND GRANT APPLICATIONS.~~

~~(C) RAISE PUBLIC AWARENESS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND.~~

~~(D) RECOMMEND PERFORMANCE AUDIT METRICS FOR ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVING VETERANS' TRUST FUND GRANTS.~~

~~(E) RECOMMEND LEGISLATIVE OR POLICY CHANGES TO ENHANCE THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND.~~

20250SB0146PN0131 - 3 - (F) REVIEW AUDITS AND REPORTS WITH THE DEPARTMENT AND THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

~~(III) MEMBERS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL BE VETERANS, FAMILY MEMBERS OF VETERANS AND INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE IN SERVING VETERANS.~~

IN DETERMINING WHO TO APPOINT TO THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD, CONSIDERATION SHALL BE GIVEN TO SUBJECT MATTER EXPERTS IN VETERANS ISSUES REGARDING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH, MENTAL HEALTH, POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER INJURIES, PHYSICAL DISABILITIES, HOUSING OR OTHER SOCIAL DETERMINANTS OF HEALTH.

~~THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF THE FOLLOWING:~~

~~(A) THE DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL FOR VETERANS' AFFAIRS OR A DESIGNEE, WHO SHALL SERVE EX OFFICIO.~~

~~(B) TWO MEMBERS RECOMMENDED BY THE ADJUTANT GENERAL AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.~~

~~(C) TWO MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION RECOMMENDED BY THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE COMMISSION AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.~~

~~(D) ONE MEMBER RECOMMENDED BY THE ADJUTANT GENERAL FROM EACH OF THE FIVE PA VETCONNECT PROGRAM REGIONS, THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA AND THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH AND APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR.~~

(IV) EXCEPT AS PROVIDED UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH, MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE VETERANS' TRUST 20250SB0146PN0131 - 4 - FUND BOARD SHALL SERVE A TERM OF FOUR YEARS AND UNTIL A SUCCESSOR HAS BEEN APPOINTED.

~~THE INITIAL MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL SERVE TERMS AS FOLLOWS AS DETERMINED BY THE GOVERNOR:~~

~~(A) TWO MEMBERS SHALL SERVE A TERM OF ONE YEAR.~~

~~(B) THREE MEMBERS SHALL SERVE A TERM OF TWO YEARS.~~

~~(C) THREE MEMBERS SHALL SERVE A TERM OF THREE YEARS.~~

~~(D) THREE MEMBERS SHALL SERVE A TERM OF FOUR YEARS.~~

(V) UPON RECOMMENDATION FROM THE ADJUTANT GENERAL, THE GOVERNOR MAY DECLARE A VACANCY TO EXIST IF A MEMBER APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD FAILS TO ATTEND THREE CONSECUTIVE MEETINGS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD WITHOUT GOOD CAUSE.

~~THE GOVERNOR SHALL FILL A VACANCY DECLARED UNDER THIS SUBPARAGRAPH FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE UNEXPIRED TERM.~~

~~(VI) THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL ANNUALLY ELECT A CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON AT THE FIRST MEETING COMMENCING NO LATER THAN MARCH 31, 2025.~~

~~THE DEPARTMENT SHALL DESIGNATE AN EXECUTIVE SECRETARY TO THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD.~~

(VII) MEMBERS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL RECEIVE NO COMPENSATION FOR THEIR SERVICES BUT SHALL RECEIVE REIMBURSEMENT FOR THEIR NECESSARY AND PROPER EXPENSES INCURRED IN EXECUTING THEIR DUTIES AS MEMBERS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD.

Show all 50 changed lines (10 more)

~~(VIII) THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL MEET 20250SB0146PN0131 - 5 - UPON THE CALL OF THE CHAIRPERSON OR THE DEPUTY ADJUTANT GENERAL OF VETERANS' AFFAIRS.~~

~~SIX MEMBERS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD SHALL CONSTITUTE A QUORUM.~~

~~(IX) VOTING MEMBERS OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD MAY NOT BE CURRENT EMPLOYEES OF THE DEPARTMENT.~~

(X) IF A MEMBER OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD HAS AN INTEREST IN AN ORGANIZATION APPLYING FOR A GRANT FROM THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, THE MEMBER SHALL REFRAIN FROM FURTHER DISCUSSION WITH THE APPLICANT AND MAY NOT MAKE A RECOMMENDATION REGARDING THE APPROVAL OR DISAPPROVAL OF THE APPLICATION.

~~IF A MEMBER OF THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD HAS A CONFLICT OF INTEREST WITH AN ORGANIZATION APPLYING FOR A GRANT FROM THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND, THE MEMBER SHALL RECUSE ONESELF.~~

* * * (G) AUDIT.--BY JULY 31, 2026, AND EVERY TWO YEARS THEREAFTER, THE DEPARTMENT SHALL SUBMIT A PERFORMANCE AUDIT TO THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE AND THE CHAIRPERSON AND MINORITY CHAIRPERSON OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.

THE PERFORMANCE AUDIT SHALL BE CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED GOVERNMENT AUDITING STANDARDS AND EXAMINE THE IMPACTS ON VETERANS BY ORGANIZATIONS FUNDED THROUGH THE VETERANS' TRUST FUND.

~~SECTION 2.~~

~~THIS ACT SHALL TAKE EFFECT IN 60 DAYS.~~

~~20250SB0146PN0131 - 6 -~~

Latest

~~PRIOR~~ PRINTER'S NO.

PRINTER'S NO.

93 ~~PRINTER'S~~ ~~NO.~~

93 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA SENATE BILL Session of No.

~~131~~ ~~THE~~ ~~GENERAL~~ ~~ASSEMBLY~~ OF ~~PENNSYLVANIA~~ ~~SENATE~~ ~~BILL~~ ~~Session~~ of ~~No.~~

146 2025 INTRODUCED BY BAKER, BROOKS, BARTOLOTTA, FONTANA, BROWN, PENNYCUICK, COSTA AND STEFANO, JANUARY 22, 2025 REFERRED TO VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS, JANUARY 22, 2025 AN ACT Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further providing for Veterans' Trust Fund.

~~AND ESTABLISHING THE <-- VETERANS' TRUST FUND BOARD.~~

Section 1721 of Title 51 of the Pennsylvania ~~<--~~ Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read:

Section 1721 of Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a subsection to read:

~~SECTION~~ 1.

20250SB0146PN0093 - 2 -