Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1162

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/24/26
• Refer: 2/24/26

Caption

Making appropriations from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide for the expenses of administering the Workers' Compensation Act, The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act and the Office of Small Business Advocate for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026.

Summary

SB1162 is an annual appropriations measure that allocates money from the Workmen's Compensation Administration Fund for the 2026-2027 fiscal year. It provides $81,302,000 to the Department of Labor and Industry to administer the Workers' Compensation Act and the Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act, including salaries, contractual services, travel, and other operating expenses. It also authorizes payment of unpaid bills from the prior fiscal year. The bill further appropriates $550,000 from a restricted revenue account in the same fund to the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Department of Community and Economic Development. That funding is designated for the office's operations during the same fiscal year. The act would take effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately if later, and functions as a budgetary authorization rather than a policy change to the underlying workers' compensation laws.

Impact

SB1162 would continue funding the administrative machinery that supports Pennsylvania's workers' compensation and occupational disease systems, while also financing the Office of Small Business Advocate. It does not amend benefit rules, eligibility standards, or employer obligations under the Workers' Compensation Act or The Pennsylvania Occupational Disease Act; instead, it authorizes the use of dedicated fund revenues for agency operations and prior-year obligations. The practical effect is to keep these programs and related administrative services operating for fiscal year 2026-2027.

Sentiment

Because the bill is an appropriations measure, the available record does not show committee debate, recorded votes, or other public discussion indicating support or opposition. The bill's purpose is routine and administrative, suggesting it is likely viewed as a necessary funding vehicle rather than a controversial policy proposal. No sentiment can be inferred from the provided transcripts or voting history because none are available.

Contention

No specific points of contention are evident in the provided materials. The bill simply directs funding to the Department of Labor and Industry and the Office of Small Business Advocate from existing dedicated accounts, and there is no recorded committee testimony or vote history showing disagreement over the amounts, the funding source, or the agencies involved. If any concerns arise, they would likely relate to budget priorities or the adequacy of the appropriations, but those issues are not reflected in the supplied record.