PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB55

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB55

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

Providing for small business fee exemption.

Impact

The impact of HB 55 on state laws is significant as it updates the regulatory framework governing business fees. By providing exemptive provisions to specific categories of small businesses, it encourages formation and growth in sectors that typically face more significant challenges. This reflects a move toward greater inclusivity and support for various demographics in the business community, potentially leading to increased economic participation and job creation.

Summary

House Bill 55, known as the Small Business Fee Exemption Act, is designed to alleviate the financial burden imposed on small businesses in Pennsylvania by allowing certain qualifying businesses to be exempt from business fees. The bill specifies the criteria for small businesses, including definitions for woman-owned, minority-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, disadvantaged, and microbusinesses. It aims to support these entities by eliminating full or partial business fees, thereby facilitating a more conducive environment for entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Sentiment

The general sentiment around HB 55 appears to be positive, particularly among advocates for small businesses and economic development. Supporters believe that the bill will pave the way for increased entrepreneurship by reducing upfront costs that can be prohibitive for new and minority-owned businesses. However, there may be concerns from entities that rely on the fees collected for local or state services, indicating a potential tension between revenue generation and support for economic growth.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 55 may arise from how the exemptions are funded and the potential long-term implications for state revenue. Critics might argue that while supporting small businesses is essential, the loss of fee income could impact local governments’ ability to provide services. The bill's implementation timeline, projected for businesses filing applications after July 1, 2025, will also be a crucial discussion point as stakeholders assess the broader economic landscape and the effectiveness of such exemptions.

Latest PA HB55 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB55

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1905

Providing for small business fee exemption.

PA SB663

Providing for small business fee exemption.

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA SB438

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for veteran-owned business logotype and imposing a penalty.

PA HB2256

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small and Midsize Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program review and expiration; providing for Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1317

In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

PA HB2267

In diverse and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for definitions and for woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business and establishing the HUB Zone Business Procurement Program.

PA SB884

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for small diverse business.

PA HB92

In veteran-owned small businesses, providing for small diverse business.

PA SB664

Providing for small business tax reinvestment.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.