Pennsylvania SB1489: An Act amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, providing for definition of antisemitism.

What the bill says

Amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, providing for definition of antisemitism.

From the introduced text, October 13, 2026:

Amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, providing for definition of antisemitism. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Title 1 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended by adding a section to read: § 1992. Definition of antisemitism. (a) Definition.--When the term "antisemitism" is used but not defined in a statute or regulation: (1) The term shall mean, based on the definition and description of the term "antisemitism" adopted May 26, 2016, by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance, a certain perception of Jews, which may b e expressed as hatred toward Jews. (2) The term includes a rhetorical or physical manifestation that meets any of the following conditions: (i) Is directed toward any of the following: (A) Jewish or non-Jewish individuals. (B) The property of Jewish or non-Jewish individuals. (C) Jewish community institutions. (D) Jewish religious facilities. (ii) Does any of the following: (A) Targets the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity. (B) Charges Jews with conspiring to harm humanity. (C) Blames Jews for "why things go wrong." (iii) Is expressed in speech, writing, visual form or action. (iv) Employs sinister stereotypes or negative character traits. (3) The term includes any of the following in public life, the media, schools or workplaces, or …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Steven Santarsiero (D, 10)
• Jay Costa (D, 43)
• Wayne Fontana (D, 42)
• Tracy Pennycuick (R, 24)
• Arthur Haywood (D, 4)
• Amanda Cappelletti (D, 17)
• Devlin Robinson (R, 37)
• Vogel Jr., Elder A. (R, 47)
• Nicholas Miller (R, 14)

Latest actions

1. October 13, 2026: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 13, 2026

Common questions

What is SB1489?

SB1489 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, providing for definition of antisemitism.

What does SB1489 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 1 (General Provisions) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in rules of construction, providing for definition of antisemitism.

What is the status of SB1489?

In committee as of October 13, 2026. Latest action: Referred to STATE GOVERNMENT, Oct. 13, 2026 (October 13, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1489?

Steven Santarsiero (D, 10), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1489?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1489