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HB 2450

An Act amending the act of July 10, 1984 (P.L.688, No.147), known as the Radiation Protection Act, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in fees, further providing for nuclear facility and transport fees.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 20 co-sponsors

The bill updates definitions and increases or adjusts nuclear facility and transport fees to bolster radiation protection and funding for safety oversight in Pennsylvania.

Referred to Environmental Resources & Energy
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2450

Bill Summary: HB 2450 (2025-2026) – Pennsylvania Radiation Protection Act

Overview

  • Purpose: This act amends the Radiation Protection Act of July 10, 1984 (P.L. 688, No. 147) to update general provisions (definitions) and to modify nuclear facility and transport fees. The bill is titled to “Ensure Safety at Pennsylvania's Nuclear Plants.”
  • Status: Referred to the House Energy Committee on April 16, 2026. No further actions or votes recorded in the provided material.

Key Provisions

1) General Provisions – Definitions

  • The bill revises or clarifies definitions within the Radiation Protection Act. While the exact definitional changes are not enumerated in the provided text, such updates typically aim to:
    • Align terms with current industry practice and safety standards (e.g., definitions related to radioactive materials, licensing, transport, or facility operations).
    • Ensure consistency with federal nuclear regulatory language and PA’s enforcement framework.
    • Improve specificity for compliance, enforcement, and fee assessment.

2) Fees – Nuclear Facility and Transport Fees

  • The act “further provides for nuclear facility and transport fees.” Implications likely include:
    • Adjustments to the fee structure assessed on nuclear facilities operating in Pennsylvania (licensing, inspection, annual fees, or related charges).
    • Potentially new or revised fees for the transport of nuclear materials within or through Pennsylvania.
    • Fee amounts, assessment methodology, collection processes, and the use of fee revenues for radiation protection programs (e.g., regulatory oversight, inspections, emergency preparedness).
  • The exact dollar amounts, schedules, or tiered structures are not enumerated in the provided summary. The bill would formalize how these fees are calculated and collected.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Nuclear facilities operating in Pennsylvania (power reactors, research reactors, fuel cycle facilities, etc.) would face updated definitions and revised fee schedules.
  • Transport of nuclear materials through Pennsylvania (including interstate shipments subject to state regulation) could be affected by new or adjusted transport-related fees and regulatory requirements.
  • State regulatory agencies responsible for radiation protection and nuclear safety would implement the updated definitions and collect/administrate the revised fees, funding oversight and compliance activities.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced/Prime Sponsor: Representative Thomas Mehaffie (with a broad list of co-sponsors from both major parties and multiple districts).
  • Current Action: Referred to the House Energy Committee on April 16, 2026.
  • Next Steps: If the Energy Committee votes to advance, the bill would move to the full House for consideration, then potentially to the Senate, and finally to the governor for enactment. Timelines depend on committee activity and legislative priorities.

Practical Implications

  • If enacted, facilities and transport operators may experience:
    • Updated compliance requirements tied to revised definitions.
    • Adjusted financial obligations through revised nuclear facility and transport fees.
    • Potential changes to budgeting for radiation protection programs funded by these fees.
  • For residents and nearby communities, the bill’s safety emphasis—per the memo “Ensuring Safety at Pennsylvania's Nuclear Plants”—signals a focus on robust regulatory oversight and funding for safety measures.

Notes

  • The full text (PDF PN 3220) would specify the exact definitional changes, fee schedules, calculation methods, enforcement provisions, and effective dates. The current summary covers the broad scope and intended impact based on the available information.

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

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