In general budget implementation, further providing for executive offices.
Summary
HB2027 amends Pennsylvania’s Fiscal Code in the general budget implementation provisions to create a new restricted account in the General Fund called the Public Sector Workplace Safety Equipment Account. The account would be funded by transferring up to $3.8 million in unexpended General Fund appropriations from prior fiscal years, with notice to the Legislative Reference Bureau and the appropriations committee leaders in both chambers before the transfer is made.
The money in the account would be continuously appropriated to the Office of Administration for purchasing and distributing workplace safety equipment for Commonwealth agencies that employ significant numbers of workers at risk of musculoskeletal disorders. The bill specifically identifies lift kits or assistive devices for patient handling in health care occupations and postural support devices for construction-related occupations, and it limits eligible agencies to those operating nursing care and other residential care facilities, residential facilities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and highway, street, and bridge construction activities.
Impact
The bill would add a new subsection to Section 1712-E of The Fiscal Code and create a dedicated funding stream within the General Fund for workplace injury-prevention equipment in state government. It would authorize the Secretary of the Budget to redirect unused prior-year operating funds into the new account and would give the Office of Administration ongoing authority to spend those funds for specified safety equipment for certain Commonwealth agencies and employees.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of support or opposition in the available materials. Based on the bill text, the measure appears practical and targeted, focusing on employee safety and injury prevention rather than a broader policy change. The absence of recorded debate or votes means the overall sentiment cannot be measured from the supplied context.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the use of up to $3.8 million in unexpended General Fund appropriations, which may raise budgetary or prioritization concerns even though the funds are already unspent. Another possible issue is the bill’s narrow scope: it benefits only certain Commonwealth agencies and occupational settings, so lawmakers could question whether the selected facilities and job categories are the most appropriate recipients or whether similar protections should extend more broadly across state government.
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