The General Appropriation Act of 2026 outlines the budgetary allocations from the General Fund for the fiscal year spanning July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, covering expenses for the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, as well as public debt and public schools. The bill addresses the payment of outstanding bills from the previous fiscal year and includes appropriations from special funds and federal sources. Notably, it clarifies that references to the Department of Criminal Justice will now refer to the Department of Corrections or the Pennsylvania Parole Board, or both, as applicable.

The bill allocates significant funding across various sectors, including $10 million for cybersecurity initiatives, over $8.3 billion for basic education funding, and substantial support for health and social services, such as $4.8 billion for medical assistance capitation plans. It also specifies appropriations for the Department of Environmental Protection, the Department of Labor and Industry, and various programs aimed at supporting vulnerable populations. The act emphasizes a comprehensive approach to funding essential services, ensuring that multiple departments have the necessary resources to fulfill their mandates effectively. The bill is set to take effect on July 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later.