Moves on the Board: July 20-24, 2026

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COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

Shapiro Administration

Shapiro signed 24 bills into law on Monday, including measures that streamline professional licensing, expand interstate licensure opportunities, and modernize state processes — aimed at getting more Pennsylvanians into the workforce faster.

Also on Monday, Shapiro joined Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chair Eugene DePasquale in Dauphin County to launch “Rise Up Pennsylvania” — described as the largest coordinated midterm campaign operation in the state's history. The initiative will share voter registration, field infrastructure, and resources across Democratic candidates statewide ahead of the election in November.

On Tuesday, Shapiro visited B+Labs, a University City life sciences incubator, to announce the launch of the $125 million Innovate in PA 2.0 initiative — secured in the recently passed state budget. The fund will develop new talent pipelines, offset clinical trial costs, and expand venture capital access for Pennsylvania life sciences companies.
Updates from the Governor’s Newsroom

• Shapiro Administration Delivered Nearly $217 Million through New Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit During Recent Tax Season

• Governor Shapiro and DHS Secretary Dr. Arkoosh Highlight Historic Increase in Funding for Rape Crisis Centers, Administration’s Strong Support for Survivors During Visit to YWCA in Carlisle

• In Philadelphia, Governor Shapiro Highlights Major Investments in Innovation, Economic Development Secured in the 2026-27 Budget

• Governor Shapiro Announces Leadership Transition at the Pennsylvania Department of General Services

• Shapiro Administration Confirms Proposed ICE Detention Centers in Berks and Schuylkill Counties Will Not Move Forward

• Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Challenge Trump Administration’s Decision to Hold Critical Security Funding Hostage in Attempt to Control Pennsylvania’s Elections

Pennsylvania General Assembly

The House returned to Harrisburg this week for a non-voting session on Wednesday, followed by a voting session on Thursday. During Thursday's session, the House Rules Committee voted to report House Bill 1042 favorably out of committee, advancing the legislation for consideration by the full House. HB 1042, known as the Public Safety and Rehabilitation Act, would expand rehabilitation opportunities for incarcerated individuals by allowing eligible inmates to earn sentence reductions through approved educational and vocational programming. The bill also modifies parole eligibility for certain individuals serving life sentences for second-degree murder, while preserving victim notification and participation requirements throughout the parole process. 

The House voted 102-100 to concur with the Senate's amendments to HB 1042, sending the legislation back to the Senate for final consideration as negotiations over second-degree murder sentencing standards continue. House and Senate leaders have yet to reach an agreement on how to address Pennsylvania's sentencing standards for second-degree murder, leaving negotiations ongoing as lawmakers continue to debate competing approaches to sentencing reform.

Legislative Movement:
On Monday, Governor Shapiro signed 24 bipartisan bills into law spanning workforce licensing, veterans' benefits, public safety, and energy. Among the highlights:

• HB 1286 requires hotels and short-term rental platforms to train staff to identify and report human trafficking. 

• HB 2017 establishes a fee structure for small modular reactors and microreactors under the Radiation Protection Act. 

• HB 2559 authorizes the state to convey certain Commonwealth-owned land to municipalities, nonprofits, and educational institutions across Pennsylvania. 

• SB 45 strengthens Pennsylvania's anti-human trafficking statutes, adding new offenses and establishing a dedicated funding account. 

• SB 130 expands burial benefits for Pennsylvania veterans through the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. 

• SB 349 requires solar energy facilities to properly decommission and remediate sites at the end of their operational life. 

• SB 1058 updates fuel tax definitions in the Vehicle Code to reflect current fuel classifications.
  Click here for the full list of bills signed into law.