Bill

HB 2396

An Act amending Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for consumer fuel price relief.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jill Cooper and 13 co-sponsors

HB 2396 seeks to provide consumer fuel price relief in PA by establishing mechanisms to reduce or stabilize motor fuel costs for residents and motorists.

Referred to Transportation

WeVote Research Nonpartisan

Bill Summary · HB 2396

Summary of HB 2396 (Session 2025-2026) – Pennsylvania

Purpose and Intent

HB 2396 proposes amendments to Title 75 (Vehicles) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to implement consumer fuel price relief. The bill aims to address high fuel costs faced by consumers by establishing specific regulatory or statutory mechanisms intended to reduce or stabilize motor fuel expenses for Pennsylvania residents and/or motorists.

Key Provisions and Changes (as drafted in concept)

Note: The exact text of provisions is not provided here, but the bill is titled to provide “consumer fuel price relief.” Based on the title and typical structure of related legislation, expected areas of impact may include:

Establishment of price relief mechanisms related to motor fuels, potentially including:
- Regulation of fuel prices at the wholesale or retail level during periods of elevated costs.
- Speedy or temporary adjustments to penalties or fees tied to fuel transactions to reduce overall consumer cost.
- Requirements for reporting or transparency around fuel pricing by suppliers, distributors, or retailers.
Consumer protections related to fuel purchases, such as enhanced refund rights, price gouging prohibitions, or caps during emergencies or emergency declarations.
Possible creation or empowerment of a state or quasi-state entity to monitor fuel prices and coordinate relief measures.
Provisions related to enforcement, penalties for noncompliance, and the duration of any price relief measures.
Potential exemptions or interactions with federal energy programs and existing state price-gouging statutes.

Who would be Affected

Motorists and general consumers who purchase gasoline or diesel in Pennsylvania.
Retail fuel retailers, wholesalers, and distributors operating within the Commonwealth.
State agencies responsible for transportation, energy, or consumer protection that oversee or implement price-relief measures.
Employers and fleets that rely on fuel for operations may indirectly experience cost changes.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

The bill would be introduced in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and, if advanced, would follow the normal legislative process: committee consideration, potential amendments, floor vote in the House, and then a path through the Senate (and potentially to the Governor for signature).
If the bill designates temporary relief measures, it may include sunset provisions or review dates to reassess effectiveness and need.
Potential coordination with existing Pennsylvania statutes on price gouging and consumer protection.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Economic: If enacted, consumers could see lower fuel costs during relief periods and increased price transparency. Retailers might face compliance costs or adjustments to pricing practices.
Administrative: Implementation would require mechanisms for monitoring prices, enforcing relief measures, and addressing disputes.
Legal: The bill could interact with federal securities or antitrust rules and existing state price-gouging statutes; enforcement details would determine the scope of liability.

Note

The provided information reflects the bill’s stated title and sponsor list. For precise provisions, text, and specific mechanisms (e.g., exact price controls, duration, reporting requirements, and enforcement), the official bill text and committee analyses should be consulted.