Pending Legislation
Senate Bill 1377: Transportation Infrastructure
Introduced: Senator Judith Ward (R-30)
Summary: Would allow PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission less restrictions when it came to choosing how to deliver road and bridge projects within the state.
Design-Build Impact: Allows PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission to use Design-Build Best Value (DBBV) procurement based on best overall value instead of just lowest bid when the commission decides it is in the best interest to do so. Under the bill the DOT would be allowed to take on no more than 10 on step DBBV projects per calendar year and no more than 10 two step DBBV per calendar year. This would be a step for PDOT to be able to consistently utilize design-build for the first time. Allowing the department and state much more access to design-build for their projects.
Last Action: July 12, 2026: The bill was introduced on June 9 and sent to the SENATE Committee on TRANSPORTATION before it was read twice within the SENATE and sent to the SENATE Committee on APPROPRIATIONS before being read for a third time within the SENATE and passed into the HOUSE on June 23. The bill was assigned to the HOUSE Committee on TRANSPORTATION and read for the first time before being laid on a table. The bill had a hearing on June 30. The bill was absorbed into Pennsylvania Senate bill 146 which was signed into law on July 12, 2026 and Chaptered as Act No. 21 of 2026.
Status: Signed into Law as a part of Senate Bill 146, Act No. 21 of 2026
DBIA Position: Support
DBIA Priority Level: Medium
House Bill 1608: Transportation Infrastructure
Introduced: Representative Ed Neilson (D-174)
Summary: The bill’s main function is to charter school eligibility for pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and first grade.
Design-Build Impact: Allows PennDOT and the Turnpike Commission to use Design-Build Best Value (DBBV) procurement based on best overall value instead of just lowest bid.
Last Action: October 3, 2025: The bill passed through the HOUSE on October 1 and was subsequently sent to the SENATE Committee on TRANSPORTATION.
Status: In Committee
DBIA Position: Support
DBIA Priority Level: Medium