HB 2428 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026) — Summary
Purpose and intent
- The bill amends the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act (Act of November 10, 1999, P.L.491, No.45) to strengthen education, training, and workforce development related to building construction.
- It creates and funds programs aimed at expanding the residential construction workforce and improving the quality and consistency of inspector education and certification.
Key provisions and changes
1. Education and training programs for inspectors
- Expands or clarifies requirements for education and training programs for building inspectors.
- Seeks to ensure inspectors have standardized, up-to-date training aligned with residential construction codes.
Residential Construction Workforce Training Grant Program
- Establishes a grant program to support training for workers in residential construction.
- Aims to increase the availability of skilled labor for residential projects and improve compliance with construction codes.
Residential Construction Workforce Training Account
- Creates a dedicated account to fund the grant program and related training initiatives.
- Specifies funding sources, administration, and allowable uses to support training efforts.
Program administration and oversight
- Provides framework for administering the training grants and account, including eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and accountability measures.
- Ensures alignment with the broader goals of the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act.
Who is affected
- Residential construction employers, tradespeople, and contractors seeking project work.
- Building inspectors and their certifying bodies or authorities.
- Students, apprentices, and workers seeking training in residential construction trades.
- Local governments and code enforcement offices that rely on trained inspectors.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- The bill outlines the creation and funding mechanism for the Residential Construction Workforce Training Grant Program and the associated account, including administrative structures and reporting.
- As with other acts amending the Construction Code Act, implementation would follow regulatory rulemaking and potential phased rollouts, subject to appropriations and program timelines established by the Department or relevant state agency referenced in the act.
Sponsors
- Primary and co-sponsors include: John Inglis, Valerie Gaydos, Jared Solomon, Tarik Khan, Keith Harris, Joe Hogan, Ben Sanchez, Carol Hill-Evans, Abby Major, Izzy Smith-Wade-El.
Notes for readers
- The bill emphasizes workforce development and inspector competency in residential construction, signaling a policy focus on safety, code compliance, and skilled trades.
- Specific funding amounts, grant eligibility criteria, and implementation dates would be detailed in the bill’s text, accompanying fiscal notes, and any related regulations if enacted.
