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HB 2404

An Act making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roni Green and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2404 appropriates Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund money to DLI, DCED, and the Office of Small Business Advocate to run workers’ comp programs and pay prior-year bills

Act No. 3A of 2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2404

Summary: HB 2404 (Pennsylvania, 2025-2026)

Overview

  • Title: An Act making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Primary purpose: Provide targeted operating appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to key state agencies to cover administrative costs and ensure payment of outstanding bills for the specified fiscal year.
  • Sponsor: Co-sponsor Jordan Harris
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Status history (highlights):
    • Referred to Appropriations (Mar 24, 2026)
    • Reported as committed (Mar 25, 2026)
    • Laid on the table (Mar 25, 2026)
    • Recommitted to Appropriations (Apr 15, 2026)
    • Second consideration (Apr 15, 2026)
    • Continued progression through the chamber (as of Apr 15, 2026)

Main Purpose

To authorize and appropriate funds from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to:
- Support the operations of the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)
- Support the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
- Administer the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act, and the Office of Small Business Advocate
- Pay bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the end of the prior fiscal year (ending June 30, 2026)

This aligns funding with the ongoing administration of workers’ compensation-related programs and the statutory offices that assist small businesses.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Funding Source: Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund
  • Recipients:
    • Department of Labor and Industry (DLI)
    • Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
    • Office of Small Business Advocate (within the Office of the DCED or as designated by the act)
  • Authorized Expenditures: Operating expenses necessary to administer:
    • Workers' Compensation Act
    • Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act
    • Office of Small Business Advocate
  • Time Frame:
    • Fiscal year: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027
  • Prior-Year Obligations:
    • Provision for payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026
    • Ensures outstanding obligations from the previous year are covered
  • Administrative Focus: Emphasizes funding for personnel costs, program administration, and related operating expenses necessary to maintain program services and enforcement.

Who or What Is Affected

  • State Agencies: DLI and DCED receive appropriations to run programs related to workers’ compensation and related acts.
  • Office of Small Business Advocate: Receives funding to fulfill its mandate, which includes consumer protection and small business assistance in the context of workers’ compensation and related regulatory matters.
  • Stakeholders: Employers, employees, and small businesses participating in the Workers’ Compensation Act and Occupational Disease Act processes may experience continuity of program operations and services due to funded administration.
  • Fiscal Implications: Allocates resources from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to cover ongoing and prior-year obligations, potentially impacting the fund’s balance and future appropriations.

Procedural and Timeline Notes

  • Next steps in legislature: Following committee consideration (Appropriations), the bill proceeds to floor action (debate and vote) and ultimately to the governor for signature or veto.
  • Fiscal year alignment: The appropriation covers July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, with explicit provision for unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year (through June 30, 2026).
  • Policy implications: The bill is primarily a funding measure; it does not appear to create or alter substantive programmatic policies beyond ensuring operating funds for the named acts and offices.

Bottom Line

HB 2404 is a targeted appropriations bill directing funds from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to DLI, DCED, and the Office of Small Business Advocate to administer the Workers' Compensation Act, the Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act, and related services for FY 2026-2027, including settlement of unpaid prior-year bills. The impact is to sustain administrative operations and ensure continuity of services for workers' compensation programs and small business assistance.

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

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