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Bill > HB371
PA HB371
PA HB371In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in keystone opportunity zones, further providing for qualified businesses.
summary
Introduced
01/28/2025
01/28/2025
In Committee
01/28/2025
01/28/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of October 6, 1998 (P.L.705, No.92), entitled "An act providing for the creation of keystone opportunity zones and keystone opportunity expansion zones to foster economic opportunities in this Commonwealth, to facilitate economic development, stimulate industrial, commercial and residential improvements and prevent physical and infrastructure deterioration of geographic areas within this Commonwealth; authorizing expenditures; providing tax exemptions, tax deductions, tax abatements and tax credits; creating additional obligations of the Commonwealth and local governmental units; and prescribing powers and duties of certain State and local departments, agencies and officials," in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in keystone opportunity zones, further providing for qualified businesses.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Keystone Opportunity Zone Act to update definitions and requirements for businesses seeking tax benefits in opportunity zones. The bill adds definitions for "apprenticeship program" (including ERISA and non-ERISA programs), "ERISA program" (related to Employee Retirement Income Security), and expands the definition of "skilled craft laborer" to include workers with equivalent training hours or those enrolled in apprenticeship programs. For businesses making capital investments over $25,000 in facility construction or renovation, the bill now requires that 70% of construction workers be skilled craft laborers and that workers are paid prevailing minimum wage rates as determined by the Department of Labor and Industry. If a business intentionally fails to pay prevailing wages, they must refund 100% of the tax exemptions or credits received for that fiscal year. The Department of Labor and Industry will enforce these new provisions, and businesses can appeal determinations through established administrative law procedures. This legislation aims to ensure fair labor practices and workforce development in economic opportunity zones by adding more specific requirements for businesses seeking tax benefits.
Committee Categories
Labor and Employment
Sponsors (17)
James Prokopiak (D)*,
Lisa Borowski (D),
Tim Brennan (D),
Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (D),
Missy Cerrato (D),
Dave Delloso (D),
Kyle Donahue (D),
José Giral (D),
Roni Green (D),
Jim Haddock (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Joe Hohenstein (D),
Bob Merski (D),
Lindsay Powell (D),
Tarah Probst (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
Mike Schlossberg (D),
Last Action
Referred to Labor & Industry (on 01/28/2025)
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