The state House is in session this week.  There are a number of items of interest to the business community scheduled to be considered in committee or before the full chamber.

Updates to the state’s regulatory and permit processing system will once again be a main focus of legislative activity.  Several reform bills are slated to be considered by the full House. These proposals would bring greater transparency and efficiency to the Commonwealth’s overly burdensome regulatory environment.  Regulatory reform is a key component of the PA Chamber’s Bringing PA Back initiative, a member-driven recovery effort to advocate for policies that will rebuild Pennsylvania’s economy in a manner that provides opportunity for all.

The full House is also slated to consider H.B. 952 – PA Chamber supported legislation that would amend the state Tax Code to create a  Sales and Use Tax exemption for certain equipment purchased by data centers.

On Tuesday, May 4, the House Labor and Industry Committee will hold a voting meeting on H.B. 406 – legislation that would require the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to reinstate the work search and CareerLink registration requirements for unemployment compensation claimants.  Throughout the pandemic, we have heard from our members that despite the state’s record unemployment rate, employers are struggling to find applicants to fill available jobs.

The House Finance Committee will hold an informational meeting with the Department of Revenue on the issue of tax credit reform on Wednesday, May 5.

Also on Wednesday, the House Commerce committee will vote on H.B. 537 – legislation that would create a grant program for very small businesses impacted by COVID-19.

The full list of committee meetings, which is subject to change, is available on the General Assembly website.