HB 2410 (2025-2026) — Pennsylvania
Summary
Overview
- Purpose: This act appropriates funds from a restricted revenue account within the General Fund and from Federal augmentation funds to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
- Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
- Session: 2025-2026
- Principal sponsor: Rep. Jordan Harris (co-sponsor)
What the bill does (Key provisions)
- Budget authority: Allocates specific appropriations to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.
- Funding sources:
- Restricted revenue account within the General Fund: Transfers or appropriations from funds designated for restricted purposes within the General Fund.
- Federal augmentation funds: Allocations drawn from federal funds intended to supplement state programs, directed to the PUC.
- Timeframe: Effective for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2026 and ending June 30, 2027.
- Administration: The act would dictate how the PUC may expend the appropriated amounts, potentially including stipulations or conditions tied to the use of restricted and federal funds (as defined by the bill’s text and related fiscal notes).
Who is affected
- Primary recipient: Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), which oversees utility regulation, including rates, services, and practices for electric, gas, water, and telecommunications utilities.
- State budget and agencies: The General Fund, particularly the restricted revenue accounts, and any federal programs providing augmentation funds that flow to the PUC.
- External stakeholders: Utilities regulated by the PUC (e.g., ratepayers, utility companies) may be impacted indirectly through how funds are allocated for compliance, consumer protections, infrastructure oversight, or regulatory activities funded by these appropriations.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Legislative progress (recent history):
- Referred to Appropriations on March 24, 2026.
- Reported as committed on March 25, 2026.
- Laid on the table on March 25, 2026 (initial step in the process).
- Re-committed to Appropriations and moved for second consideration on April 15, 2026.
- Advanced to second consideration and re-committed to Appropriations on April 15, 2026.
- Next steps (typical path): If approved by the Appropriations Committee and the full chamber, the bill would proceed to the other legislative chamber and onward to the governor for signature or veto. Fiscal implications would likely be accompanied by a fiscal note detailing anticipated revenue sources, expenditure levels, and any impact on taxpayers or utility rates.
Notes
- The bill’s emphasis is on securing and directing funds to the PUC from both restricted General Fund resources and federal augmentation funds for a specific fiscal year, suggesting targeted regulatory or oversight needs for that period.
- Specific dollar amounts, eligibility criteria, reporting requirements, and allowable uses would be defined in the bill’s text and any accompanying fiscal notes or amendments.
