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HB 2689

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in general budget implementation, further providing for Department of Agriculture.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jake Banta and 28 co-sponsors

HB 2689 amends The Fiscal Code to modify general budget implementation and funding authorities for the Department of Agriculture.

Referred to Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2689

Overview

HB 2689 (2025-2026, Pennsylvania) amends the act of April 9, 1929 (The Fiscal Code) to adjust general budget implementation provisions, with a focus on changes related to the Department of Agriculture. The bill includes a broad set of co-sponsors representing a range of districts.

Purpose and Intent

  • To modify how the commonwealth implements its General Fund and related budget processes, via amendments to The Fiscal Code.
  • To provide or adjust authorities, procedures, or funding mechanisms affecting the Department of Agriculture within the fiscal framework of the state.

Key Provisions and Changes (as summarized from the bill’s description)

Note: The exact textual language of provisions is not provided here, but the bill is described as amending The Fiscal Code in general budget implementation and “further providing for Department of Agriculture.” The following captures the typical areas such bills address and what you would look for in the full text:

  • Budgetary Authority and Controls

    • Potential adjustments to appropriation processes, timelines, or reporting requirements for the Department of Agriculture.
    • Possible changes to how agricultural program funding is allocated, drawn down, or reconciled in the annual budget.

  • Department of Agriculture Provisions

    • Specific enhancements or clarifications of the department’s powers, programs, or responsibilities within the fiscal framework.
    • Adjustments to funding streams (grants, subsidies, program funds) and any new or revised eligibility, reporting, or compliance requirements.

  • Fiscal Administration

    • Changes to requirements for budgetary carryover, constraints, or realignment authority across departments.
    • Modifications to debt, revenue, or expenditure accounting related to agriculture programs.

  • Oversight and Reporting

    • Potential changes to audit, transparency, or annual reporting obligations for agricultural spending.

Who Would be Affected

  • Department of Agriculture: Primary entity affected through changes to budgetary authority, program funding, and administrative provisions.
  • State agencies and the Governor’s Budget Office: If the bill alters budget implementation procedures, these offices would implement and enforce the revised processes.
  • Agricultural program recipients: Farmers, agribusinesses, and other stakeholders receiving state funding or subsidies may be affected by changes in funding mechanisms, eligibility, or reporting requirements.
  • General Public: Indirectly affected through potential impacts on funding for agricultural programs, consumer-facing agriculture initiatives, and the state’s fiscal management practices.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • The bill is introduced in the 2025-2026 session and has a sizable list of co-sponsors, indicating broad bipartisan interest.
  • As a Fiscal Code amendment, enactment would typically require passage by both chambers and approval by the Governor, followed by publication in the Code.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Fiscal Impact: Depending on the exact changes, the bill could alter the level or structure of funding for agriculture programs, with potential short-term and long-term fiscal effects on the state budget.
  • Administrative Impact: The Department of Agriculture and budget offices may need to adjust internal processes, reporting systems, and compliance monitoring.
  • Policy Implications: If the bill refines or expands agricultural program authorities, it could influence the scope of state support for agriculture, rural development, and related industries.

Note

Detailed analysis of specific sections, fiscal impact statements, and fiscal notes would require access to the bill’s full text and committee reports. This summary provides an accessible, high-level understanding of the bill’s purpose, scope, and potential effects based on its description as an amendment to The Fiscal Code regarding general budget implementation and the Department of Agriculture.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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