Pennsylvania SB 1209: An Act amending the act of June 27, 2006 (1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1873, No.1), known as the Taxpayer Relief Act, in taxation by school districts, further providing for public referendum requirements for increasing certain taxes.

Bill Text

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1489 PRINTER'S NO. 1508
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 1209
Session of
2026
INTRODUCED BY PENNYCUICK, MASTRIANO, ROBINSON, LAUGHLIN,
FONTANA, BROWN, STEFANO, BAKER, VOGEL AND MILLER,
MARCH 11, 2026
SENATOR MASTRIANO, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,
AS AMENDED, MARCH 17, 2026
AN ACT
Amending Title 51 (Military Affairs) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statutes, in State Veterans' Commission and
Deputy Adjutant General for Veterans' Affairs, further
providing for Veterans' Trust Fund; in veterans'
organizations, further providing for grants to veterans'
service officer programs and providing for veterans' claims
assistance standards; and imposing penalties.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 1721(a) and (c) of Title 51 of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended by adding
paragraphs to read:
§ 1721. Veterans' Trust Fund.
(a) Source of revenue.--In addition to transfers under
section 1719-G of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176),
known as The Fiscal Code, the Veterans' Trust Fund shall include
funds from the following sources:
* * *
(2.2) Amounts collected and payable to the fund under
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section 9305 (relating to veterans' claims assistance
standards).
* * *
(c) Authorized purposes.--The department may expend money
from the Veterans' Trust Fund for the following purposes:
* * *
(8) Grants under section 9304 (relating to g rants to
veterans' service officer programs).
* * *
Section 2. Section 9304(a) introductory paragraph of Title
51 is amended to read:
§ 9304. Grants to veterans' service officer programs.
(a) Award allocations.--From funds specifically appropriated
for this purpose a nd from money in the Veterans' Trust Fund
under section 1721 (relating to Veterans' Trust Fund), the
department shall award grants to designated veterans' service
organizations to support veterans' service officer programs.
Grants awarded under this section shall be used solely to
support accredited veterans' service officers and the associated
costs, including:
* * *
Section 3. Title 51 is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 9305. Veterans' claims assistance standards.
(a) Applicability.--This section shall apply to a person
that, for compensation, assists a veteran, service member or
eligible dependent with the preparation, presentation or
prosecution of a claim for veterans' benefits.
(b) Nonapplicability.--This section shall not apply to any
of the following:
(1) A county director of veterans affairs or an employee
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of a county veterans affairs office acting in the course of
official duties.
(2) An employee of the department acting in the course
of official duties.
(3) A member of the Congress of the United States or an
employee of the Congress of the United States acting in the
course of official duties.
(4) A member of the General Assembly or an employee of
the General Assembly acting in the course of official duties.
(5) An accredited representative of a congressionally
chartered veterans' service organization, as authorized under
38 U.S.C. § 5902 (relating to recognition of representatives
of organizations).
(6) An accredited agent or attorney operating under 38
CFR 14.629 (relating to requirements for accreditation of
service organization representatives; agents; and attorneys).
(7) A nonprofit organization that assists veterans
without charging compensation of any kind.
(8) An individual providing informal support to a family
member or friend without receiving or expecting compensation.
(c) Registration.--A person subject to this section shall
register annually with the department on a form and manner
specified by the department. THE DEPARTMENT SHALL PUBLISH A LIST
OF ALL REGISTERED ENTITIES ON ITS PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE INTERNET
WEBSITE. Registration shall include all of the following:
(1) The name and contact information of the person
providing services.
(2) Disclosure of accreditation status under 38 CFR
14.629, if applicable.
(3) A description of services offered, including whether
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assistance includes claim preparation, presentation,
consultation or related support.
(4) A statement of all fees and compensation structures
the person intends to charge for veterans' benefits
assistance.
(5) Each county in which the person will offer services.
(d) Written disclosure.--
(1) Before a person subject to this section provides
services to a veteran, service member or eligible dependent,
the person shall provide the veteran, service member or
eligible dependent with a written disclosure. The written
disclosure shall include all of the following:
(i) A statement that free assistance is available
from county directors of veterans affai