Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB135

Introduced
8/21/25  

Caption

In workers' cooperative corporations, further providing for corporations, for articles of incorporation and for directors and officers.

Impact

If enacted, HB 135 would significantly impact state laws pertaining to workers' cooperatives by establishing clearer guidelines for their formation and governance. This would not only streamline the process of setting up such corporations but also ensure that they operate within a defined legal framework that supports their unique business model. By clarifying the roles of directors and officers, the bill aims to protect the interests of cooperative members and promote accountability within these organizations, potentially leading to increased stability and trust amongst stakeholders.

Summary

House Bill 135 addresses the governance structures and operational frameworks within workers' cooperative corporations. The bill proposes amendments to existing laws regarding the creation of such corporations, detailing the requirements for articles of incorporation and stipulations concerning the roles and responsibilities of directors and officers within these entities. The intent of the bill is to enhance clarity and improve the regulatory ecosystem surrounding worker cooperatives, which are designed to promote collective ownership and democratic management among their members, thereby fostering inclusive economic practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 135 appears to be generally positive among proponents of worker cooperatives and those advocating for economic models that prioritize worker ownership and participation. Supporters argue that this bill is a step forward in making cooperative structures more accessible and manageable. However, some concerns may arise regarding how these changes will interplay with existing corporate laws and the implications for other business entities operating under different models.

Contention

Notable points of contention may emerge during discussions of HB 135, particularly in relation to the balance between regulatory oversight and the principles of cooperative self-governance. Critics may express concerns about how additional regulations could affect the autonomy of cooperatives and whether the bill inadvertently complicates their operational flexibility. Furthermore, there may be debates regarding the adequacy of protections for members, particularly in contexts where conflicts of interest among directors may arise.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB548

In municipal authorities, further providing for method of incorporation, for municipalities withdrawing from and joining in joint authorities, for amendment of articles and for governing body.

PA HB1384

In associations and organizations, further providing for associations and organizations for mayors; in elections of officers, further providing for eligibility, for officers elected and for decrease in number of members of council; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for appointments and incompatible offices and for police serving under cooperative agreement or contract; in corporate powers, further providing for specific powers; in taxation and finance, further providing for investment of funds; providing for solid waste collection and disposition; in ordinances, further providing for ordinances and resolutions and for publication; and making an editorial change.

PA SB753

In associations and organizations, further providing for associations and organizations for mayors; in elections of officers, further providing for eligibility, for officers elected and for decrease in number of members of council; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for appointments and incompatible offices and for police serving under cooperative agreement or contract; in corporate powers, further providing for specific powers; in taxation and finance, further providing for investment of funds; providing for solid waste collection and disposition; in ordinances, further providing for ordinances and resolutions and for publication; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1716

In entities generally, further providing for requirements for names generally and providing for registration of name of domestic nonfiling association; in entity transactions, further providing for nature of transactions and for approval by limited liability company; in foreign associations, further providing for foreign registration statement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and shareholders, further providing for derivative action; in foreign business corporations, further providing for application of article; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and members, further providing for derivative action; in general partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement; in limited partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement and for derivative action; and, in limited liability companies, further providing for contents of operating agreement and for derivative action.

PA SB1201

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for licenses, providing for liability insurance and further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA HB2073

In school directors, further providing for eligibility and incompatible offices.

PA HB1885

In general provisions relating to corporation bureau and UCC fees, further providing for fee schedule; in incorporation, providing for exemption from certain fees; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2206

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA SB659

In personal income tax, further providing for definitions, providing for elective tax imposed at pass-through entity level and further providing for taxability of partners and for income of a Pennsylvania S corporation.

PA HB2099

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

Similar Bills

CA AB2557

Corporations: directors.

CA AB591

Central Basin Municipal Water District: board of directors.

CA SB387

Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency: board of directors.

CA AB1225

State parks: Accessibility Advisory Committee.

DE HB243

An Act To Amend Titles 16, 24, And 29 Of The Delaware Code Relating To The Department Of Health And Social Services.

CO HB1447

Transit Reform

HI SB2685

Relating To Planned Community Associations.

HI HB1781

Relating To Planned Community Associations.