Bill > SB134

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to limit state government spending in Pennsylvania by establishing a strict annual spending cap. Under the proposed amendment, total Commonwealth spending in any fiscal year would be restricted to an appropriation limit calculated based on the previous year's spending, adjusted by either the average percentage change in personal income or a combination of inflation and population growth (whichever is lesser). The bill allows exceptions to this spending limit in two specific scenarios: when responding to a declared emergency or in other situations, both of which require a two-thirds vote approval from the General Assembly. The spending limit would be based on specific definitions, including using the Consumer Price Index to measure inflation and excluding federal government funds from total spending calculations. The bill also outlines the procedural steps for implementing this constitutional amendment, which include multiple passages by the General Assembly and subsequent public advertising, with the final step being submission to qualified voters at an eligible election. The overall intent appears to be providing a constitutional mechanism to control and constrain state government spending growth.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=134