Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB748

Introduced
5/9/25  
Refer
5/9/25  
Refer
6/9/25  
Report Pass
6/10/25  
Engrossed
6/11/25  

Caption

Amending the act of May 11, 1889 (P.L.188, No.210), entitled "A further supplement to an act, entitled 'An act to establish a board of wardens for the Port of Philadelphia, and for the regulation of pilots and pilotage, and for other purposes,' approved March twenty-ninth, one thousand eight hundred and three, and for regulating the rates of pilotage and number of pilots," further providing for rates of pilotage and computation, for pilotage fees and unit charge and for charges for services.

Impact

The legislation is expected to have significant implications for the shipping industry, providing clearer guidelines and standardizing pilotage fees. By specifying rates per unit and laying out minimum and maximum charges, SB748 aims to make pilotage costs more predictable for maritime operators. These changes are designed to enhance operational efficiency in the Port of Philadelphia by clarifying the financial obligations of vessels, potentially impacting shipping logistics and overall maritime commerce in the region.

Summary

Senate Bill 748 aims to amend the act of May 11, 1889, which regulates pilotage and pilot services in the Port of Philadelphia. The bill proposes changes to the computation of rates for pilotage fees and introduces new charges for various services provided to vessels navigating the Delaware River. Notably, the bill includes retroactive provisions for rate adjustments dating back to January 1, 1990, establishing a clear framework for how pilotage charges are to be calculated over the upcoming years, with gradual increases outlined for each subsequent year until 2028.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment surrounding SB748 is expected to lean positively among industry operators who will benefit from the increased transparency in the pilotage fee structure. The predictable nature of these fees may foster more robust planning and investment within the shipping sector. However, some concern may arise regarding the potential for increased costs for pilots, which could influence the availability and rates of their services. Legislative discussions reflect a general consensus on the need for modernization of pilotage regulations, yet the extent of fee increases may be a point of contention among stakeholders.

Contention

Key points of contention relative to SB748 remain focused on the financial implications for ship operators and the pilotage community. While the bill seeks to modernize and systematize pilotage costs, opponents might argue that the incremental increases in charges could disadvantage smaller shipping companies. Additionally, there may be implications for competitive practices among pilotage services, raising questions about how such costs will affect service provision to vessels, especially in a competitive shipping environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2547

In charter schools, further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB2363

Further providing for title and short title of act, for definitions, for establishment of program, for restocking and dispensing of cancer drugs, for storage, distribution and fees and for immunity, providing for annual report and for list of approved participating pharmacies and further providing for regulations.

PA HB1955

Amending the act of March 4, 1970 (P.L.128, No.49), entitled "An act granting to the Governor of the Commonwealth the sole authority for regulating the display of the flag of the United States from any public ground or building and from any ground or building of certain other institutions," further providing for display of flag.

PA HB722

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB1266

In charter schools, further providing for funding for charter schools, for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB1096

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, establishing the Stop-and-Go Legislative Task Force; and, in licenses and regulations and liquor, alcohol and malt and brewed beverages, further providing for public venue license and for limiting number of retail licenses to be issued in each county.

PA HB1356

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA SB898

Further providing for licensing and regulating the practice of music therapy; and making editorial changes.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and relating to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; and, in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles.

PA SB1318

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in terms and courses of study, further providing for subjects of instruction and flag code and providing for handwriting instruction required; and, in charter schools, further providing for provisions applicable to charter schools and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

Similar Bills

NJ AR62

Urges Philadelphia Phillies to induct Dan Baker into Toyota Phillies Wall of Fame.

PA SR106

Honoring the Super Bowl LIX Champions, the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles, and recognizing the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the greatest football teams ever to represent this Commonwealth on the field.

PA SR81

Honoring the Super Bowl LIX Champions, the 2025 Philadelphia Eagles, and recognizing the Philadelphia Eagles as one of the greatest football teams ever to represent this Commonwealth both on and off the field.

NJ AR154

Urges Congress to provide for joint session at Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in honor of semiquincentennial of Declaration of Independence.

PA HR431

Recognizing November 5, 2024, as Jason Kelce's birthday, and December 13, 2024, as Fletcher Cox's birthday; and honoring their careers as former players for the Philadelphia Eagles.

PA HB1468

Authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County, certain land, buildings and improvements situate in the 40th Ward of the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County; and making a repeal.

MS SB2983

City of Philadelphia; authorize governing authorities to donate funds to support Philadelphia Transit.

NJ AR63

Urges Secretary of Navy to designate Delaware River as site for celebration of 250th anniversary of Navy and Marine Corps.