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SB 161

An Act making appropriations from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and from restricted receipts accounts within the General Fund to the Department of State for use by the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs in support of the professional licensure boards assigned thereto.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Scott Martin

SB 161 appropriates funds from professional licensure accounts to Pennsylvania's Department of State to support occupational licensing boards' regulatory operations and oversight functions.

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Bill Summary · SB 161

Legislative bill overview

SB 161 allocates funds from the Professional Licensure Augmentation Account and restricted receipts to Pennsylvania's Department of State, specifically for the Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs to support its regulatory boards. The bill provides appropriations necessary for licensing boards to operate and fulfill their oversight responsibilities.

Why is this important

Professional licensing boards regulate occupations ranging from healthcare to construction, directly affecting public safety and consumer protection. Adequate funding ensures these boards can process applications, conduct inspections, investigate complaints, and enforce standards—functions critical to protecting Pennsylvanians from unqualified practitioners.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source clarity: The bill references restricted receipts accounts without detailing which specific fees or revenue streams fund this appropriation, making it difficult to assess whether costs are borne by licensees or general taxpayers
  • Lack of specific allocations: The bill doesn't itemize how funds are distributed among different licensing boards, raising questions about whether all boards receive equitable resources
  • Budget oversight: Without spending caps or performance metrics outlined, there's limited transparency on how the Department of State will deploy these funds or whether boards will be held accountable for outcomes

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

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