Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB215

Introduced
2/3/25  

Caption

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

Impact

The proposal for SB215 has sparked a considerable debate among lawmakers and stakeholders. Advocates, primarily from the business community and certain legislative factions, contend that this bill would alleviate the complications that arise from varying local regulations, which they believe stifle economic initiative and innovation. In contrast, opposition voices, including some local government representatives and advocacy groups, warn that the bill undermines local control, stripping communities of their rights to enact ordinances tailored to specific local issues, including labor standards and environmental protections.

Summary

SB215 seeks to streamline and standardize regulations affecting businesses across the state by limiting the ability of local governments to impose additional regulations beyond those established at the state level. This bill aims to create a more coherent regulatory landscape that supports businesses operating in multiple jurisdictions, thus reducing compliance burdens and fostering economic growth. The proponents of SB215 argue that such uniformity is essential for enhancing the state's business climate and attracting investment.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB215 is sharply divided. Proponents see the bill as a necessary corrective that would benefit the state's economy by providing stability and predictability for businesses. On the other hand, critics view it as an encroachment on local authority and a potential threat to public interests, particularly those that safeguard community health, safety, and welfare. This dichotomy reflects a deeper ideological conflict between state interests and local governance, igniting passionate discussions in the legislature and beyond.

Contention

Should SB215 be enacted, it would fundamentally alter the balance of regulatory power between state and local governments. The bill suggests a preemption of local regulations in various sectors, positioning state statutes as the sole governing standards. As a result, local authorities would be unable to implement or enforce ordinances that extend beyond state law, which could lead to significant shifts in how businesses are regulated at the local level, potentially affecting everything from zoning laws to health and safety standards.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1226

Further providing for exemption from licensure and registration.

PA SB403

Further providing for definitions, for general powers of board, for procedure for licensing as professional engineer, for procedure for licensing as professional land surveyor, for continuing professional competency requirements, for fees and for penalties.

PA SB1196

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, for powers and duties of board and for application and qualifications; providing for application and qualifications of home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training and for conduct of home inspection; further providing for reciprocity, for certification renewal, licensure renewal and records, for disciplinary and corrective measures, for reinstatement of certificate or license, for reporting of multiple certification, for surrender of suspended or revoked certificate or license, for penalties and for injunctive relief; providing for remedies for home inspection services consumers, for home inspection contracts and for home inspection reports; and making a repeal.

PA HB1428

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for State Board of Certified Real Estate Appraisers, for powers and duties of board and for application and qualifications; providing for application and qualifications of home inspectors and home inspectors-in-training and for conduct of home inspection; further providing for reciprocity, for certification renewal, licensure renewal and records, for disciplinary and corrective measures, for reinstatement of certificate or license, for reporting of multiple certification, for surrender of suspended or revoked certificate or license, for penalties and for injunctive relief; providing for remedies for home inspection services consumers, for home inspection contracts and for home inspection reports; and making a repeal.

PA HB565

Further providing for procedure for licensing as professional engineer.

PA HB2645

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1319

Further providing for title of act, for short title, for declaration of purpose, for definitions, for creation of board and appointment and term of members and officers, for organization of board, for powers of board, for duties of board, for examination and qualification of applicants, for reciprocal licensing, for issuance and renewal of certificates, for payment and disposition of fees and for seal of architect; providing for architectural firm registration and for architectural firm names; further providing for permitted practices, for existing licenses, for existing rules and regulations and for unauthorized practice prohibited; providing for certification of interior designers; further providing for disciplinary proceedings, for penalties and for complaint procedure and hearings; providing for regulations; further providing for severability, for repeals and for effective date; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1771

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for automatic voter registration and for time and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and making a repeal.

PA SB656

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in liquid fuels and fuels tax, further providing for definitions and for imposition of tax, exemptions and deductions and providing for electric vehicle road user charge; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB1141

In preliminary provisions, further providing for short title, for declaration of intent and for definitions; in wages and hours, further providing for minimum wages, for piece rates, for employment of minors, for discrimination on account of sex prohibited, for records required and notice to workers, for wage payment and for hours of labor and providing for minimum guaranteed period of employment; in regulations and inspections, further providing for rules and regulations, for inspections and entry, for permit to operate a seasonal farm labor camp, for enforcement orders, for civil remedies and for drinking water and toilet facilities and providing for food service and cooking facilities, for cooperative agreements with Federal and State agencies, for medical services and for posting of information concerning housing; in access and entry, further providing for tenancy rights, for interference prohibited and for privileged persons and providing for privacy rights of tenants; in registration of farm labor contractors, further providing for annual registration required, for qualifications of registrants, for agents exempt from registration and employment agencies, for farm labor contractors and agents and prohibited activities and for Secretary of Labor and Industry and powers and duties; in construction, repeals, penalties and effective date, further providing for criminal penalties and providing for retaliation prohibited, for private right of action and for civil penalties and enforcement orders; and making an editorial change.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.