Legislative Update for May 2026
Legislative Update
SMCA continues to monitor legislative and regulatory activity impacting contractors, workforce development, infrastructure investment, energy policy, and the broader construction industry at the local, state, and federal levels.
Last week, SMCA representatives joined contractors and industry leaders from across the country at the 2026 SMACNA Washington, DC Leadership Conference, where attendees heard directly from congressional leaders, policy experts, labor representatives, and industry stakeholders on the issues shaping the future of construction and the union sheet metal industry.
In addition to conference programming, SMCA participated in Capitol Hill meetings with elected officials and staff from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware to discuss workforce development, infrastructure investment, pensions, indoor air quality, energy policy, and the continued importance of union construction and registered apprenticeship programs.
At a Glance
• Congress continues discussions surrounding infrastructure reauthorization ahead of the September 2026 expiration of the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA)
• Pennsylvania lawmakers are advancing several bills tied to data center development, energy demand, workforce participation, and environmental standards
• Federal budget proposals could impact transportation, workforce training, and research funding priorities
• Construction industry leaders continue emphasizing workforce development, indoor air quality, and building performance as key industry priorities
• Philadelphia City Council continues budget hearings and discussions surrounding economic development and environmental policy initiatives
Federal Updates
Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act Reauthorization
The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) is currently set to expire on September 30, 2026. Congressional transportation leaders are working toward a reauthorization package, though many observers now anticipate a temporary extension while broader negotiations continue into 2027.
The outcome will have significant implications for infrastructure investment, transportation funding, and long-term construction planning nationwide.
FY2027 Federal Budget Framework Released
The Trump Administration recently released its FY2027 budget framework, proposing increases in defense spending alongside reductions in several non-defense programs. The proposal includes changes to transportation, research, and workforce training funding priorities.
Of particular interest to the construction industry, the proposal includes additional support for short-term workforce training and career education programs designed to strengthen pipelines into skilled trades and critical industries.
SMACNA Leadership Conference Held in Washington, DC
SMCA members participated in the 2026 SMACNA Washington, DC Leadership Conference, joining contractors and industry leaders from across the country for discussions on pensions, workforce policy, infrastructure investment, indoor air quality, energy, and federal legislative priorities.
Conference speakers included House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, Democratic Whip Katherine Clark, Chief Deputy Whip Guy Reschenthaler, Congressman Don Beyer, Congressman Don Bacon, SMART General President Michael Coleman, and SMACNA President Todd Hill, among others.
During Capitol Hill visits, SMCA met with teams representing Senator Chris Coons and Senator Lisa Blunt Rochester from Delaware, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Andy Kim, and Congressman Donald Norcross from New Jersey.
Pennsylvania Updates
Data Center & Energy Legislation Continues to Advance
Pennsylvania lawmakers continue advancing legislation related to data center development, energy usage, and infrastructure impacts as demand for large-scale facilities continues to grow across the state.
Several proposals under consideration address utility cost allocation, energy and water reporting requirements, municipal zoning guidance, and environmental oversight.
Notably, proposed legislation includes language encouraging the use of registered apprenticeship programs and skilled construction labor in future data center projects.
House Advances Paid Leave & Minimum Wage Legislation
The Pennsylvania House recently approved legislation requiring paid family leave benefits and separate legislation gradually increasing the statewide minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2029. Both bills now move to the Senate for consideration.
Solar-Ready Warehouse Legislation Moves Forward
House Bill 1260, known as the Solar-Ready Warehouse and Distribution Center Act, continues moving through the legislative process. The proposal would require certain warehouse and distribution facilities to incorporate solar-ready infrastructure and includes prevailing wage provisions.
Philadelphia & Regional Updates
Philadelphia Budget Hearings Continue
Philadelphia City Council continues budget hearings following Mayor Cherelle Parker’s March budget address. Discussions remain focused on economic competitiveness, infrastructure investment, public safety, and economic mobility initiatives.
Council also recently advanced a significant agreement tied to development assistance and economic development initiatives through the Philadelphia Authority for Industrial Development.
Prime Sheet Metal Hosts State Representative Brian Munroe
Recently, Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Munroe visited Prime Sheet Metal alongside SMCA representatives to discuss the important role union sheet metal contractors play in the regional economy, workforce development, and responsible contracting practices.
The visit also included a tour of Prime’s office and fabrication facilities, highlighting the skilled work and advanced manufacturing capabilities supporting the region’s construction industry.
Pete Jenkins of SMCA, Pennsylvania State Representative Brian Munroe, Sean Lally of Prime Sheet Metal, and Greg Wharton of SMCA.
Read more on SMACNA State Issues Update
Actions to Watch
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Follow federal infrastructure reauthorization discussions closely.
The Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act (IIJA) is set to expire September 30, 2026. Whether Congress advances a full reauthorization package or a temporary extension, upcoming decisions will influence long-term transportation, infrastructure, and public construction funding nationwide. -
Monitor Pennsylvania data center and energy legislation.
Lawmakers continue advancing proposals tied to data center development, energy demand, utility cost allocation, water usage, and local zoning authority. These projects could create major construction opportunities while also influencing future energy and infrastructure policy across the state. -
Watch workforce and labor policy proposals in Harrisburg.
Paid family leave legislation, minimum wage proposals, and workforce-related regulatory discussions continue moving through the Pennsylvania legislature and could impact contractor operations, labor costs, and workforce planning in the years ahead. -
Continue tracking Philadelphia economic development and capital investment activity.
City Council budget hearings and ongoing economic development initiatives may shape future public construction, infrastructure, and redevelopment opportunities throughout the region. -
Stay engaged on indoor air quality and building performance conversations.
Indoor air quality, ventilation performance, and healthy building initiatives remain growing areas of discussion among policymakers, owners, and industry leaders, creating continued opportunities for SMCA contractors and the union sheet metal industry.
SMCA will continue monitoring legislative and regulatory developments impacting contractors, workforce development, infrastructure investment, and the union construction industry.