STATE BUDGET

The state operates on an annual budget cycle. State agencies submit their requests to the Governor in October, and the Governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state Legislature in February.  The Legislature adopts a budget by June 30. The fiscal year begins July 1.  The Legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The General Assembly consists of a Senate with 50 members (elected for four-year terms) and a House of Representatives with 203 members (elected for two-year terms), making it the second-largest state legislature in the nation.  The Assembly convenes at 12 o’clock noon on the first Tuesday of January each year, and both houses adjourn on November 30 in even-numbered years.  Bills carry over from odd to even numbered years.

KEY RESOURCES

• Pennsylvania General Assembly
• Pennsylvania Governor
• Pennsylvania Attorney General

2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

Pennsylvania introduced several bills including SB708 and HB1266 which would require healthcare facilities to notify the Attorney General and Department of Health respectively, before entering into mergers, acquisitions or substantial asset transfers, and grant the AG the authority to investigate and conduct public hearings. The Department of Health would approve or deny acquisitions based on whether they will maintain accessible and affordable healthcare for local communities. HB1460 and SB322 would require healthcare entities to obtain state approval from the AG before engaging in changes in control of healthcare facilities. HB1371 would impose antitrust regulations by requiring healthcare entities to provide premerger notifications to the AG. SB754 would require hospitals to obtain permission from the AG before shutting down hospitals to ensure patient care and continuity.