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SB 1302

An Act amending the act of December 16, 1986 (P.L.1646, No.188), known as the Chiropractic Practice Act, providing for certified chiropractic assistants; in supportive personnel, further providing for supportive personnel; and making an editorial change.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Argall and 12 co-sponsors

Allocates $62M from the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund in four grants (food banks, senior nutrition, admin) to counter SNAP benefit loss by Nov 1, 2025.

Referred to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1302

Summary of Bill: SB 1302 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Overview

  • Bill: SB 1302
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Introduced: November 11, 2025
  • Primary Focus: Amends the Fiscal Code to modify disposition of the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (BSRF) and creates specified emergency transfers related to SNAP benefits, including targeted grants and administrative provisions.
  • Status (as of latest available): Referred to the Appropriations and, more recently, to Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure (action history shows committee referrals).

1) Main Purpose and Intent

  • The bill makes editorial and substantive changes to how the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (often referred to as the “Rainy Day Fund”) can be used to address emergencies and revenue shortfalls.
  • It specifically authorizes a directed, near-term transfer of funds from the BSRF to address SNAP-related and hunger-related needs due to changes in federal SNAP benefits, with a fast-approaching deadline (November 1, 2025).

2) Key Provisions and Changes

A. Disposition of Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund (General framework)

  • The bill preserves the existing framework under the Fiscal Code for appropriations from the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund.
  • It adds explicit mechanisms for emergency appropriations during health, safety, or welfare emergencies or significant unanticipated revenue shortfalls.
  • The Governor would present a proposal to the leadership of both Appropriations Committees (Senate and House). The General Assembly could approve via a separate appropriation bill with a two-thirds vote in both chambers.
  • Any funds appropriated and later lapsing would be returned to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund.

B. SNAP Benefits Emergency Transfer (Section 1, subsection (d))

  • The bill mandates a specific, time-bound transfer to address the loss of Federal SNAP benefits beginning November 1, 2025.
  • A total of $62,000,000 is allocated in four tranches:
    • $50,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture for grants to Pennsylvania food banks. Purposes: staffing, operations, and purchasing food/necessities to respond to SNAP benefit loss. Administration under the State Food Purchase Program Act and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System Act.
    • $10,000,000 to the Department of Human Services for grants to organizations aiding senior citizens with hunger, food insecurity, isolation, wellness checks, and delivery of nutritional meals.
    • $2,000,000 to the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Human Services jointly for administration of this subsection and for grant advertisement/awareness.

C. Administrative and Administrative-Related Provisions

  • Grants and programs funded under this provision would be administered under existing law governing state food programs and agricultural surplus systems.
  • The act specifies that the Department of Agriculture and Department of Human Services manage program administration and outreach.

3) Who/What is Affected

  • State Budgetary Process: Modifications to how the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund can be appropriated in emergencies, including governance and two-thirds legislative approval requirements.
  • Food Security Infrastructure:
    • Department of Agriculture (food bank grants; administration under State Food Purchase Program Act; support for food banks to counter SNAP loss effects).
    • Department of Human Services (grants to senior-serving organizations; addressing hunger and nutrition for seniors; welfare/food programs administration).
  • General Public: Pennsylvania residents affected by changes to SNAP benefits, with targeted support for food banks and senior nutrition services during the benefit transition.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective Date: Immediate.
  • Deadline for SNAP Transfer: No later than November 1, 2025.
  • Funding Mechanism: Transfers from the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund require separate appropriation bills approved by two-thirds vote in both chambers.
  • Reversion of Funds: Any funds appropriated but not permanently used or that lapse must be returned to the Budget Stabilization Reserve Fund.

5) Notable Context

  • The bill ties a significant BSRF disbursement to a contemporaneous policy event (loss of federal SNAP benefits), aiming to cushion immediate food security impacts through state-supported grants and services.
  • Editorial elements are present in the bill, alongside substantive changes to the BSRF disposition process and emergency funding mechanisms.

If you’d like, I can provide a section-by-section comparison with existing law or a plain-language briefing for non-legislative audiences.

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

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