Marcell: Bill to Preserve PA Businesses, Jobs Gains Senate Approval

October 6, 2026

HARRISBURG - Companion legislation to House Bill 1751, sponsored by Rep. Kristin Marcell (R-Bucks), that would create an Office of Employee Ownership was approved by the Senate.

"Nearly 2.5 million businesses headed by baby boomers, employing approximately 25 million people, are expected to transition ownership over the next decade," Marcell said. "Pennsylvania should be prepared to help those businesses successfully navigate that transition."

Senate Bill 478, by Sen. Frank Farry (R-Bucks), would establish the Office of Employee Ownership within the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide educational, financial and technical assistance to businesses seeking to transition to employee ownership.

"Employee ownership can provide business owners with a path to a successful exit while giving employees a stake in the companies they help build," said Marcell. "This legislation can help preserve Pennsylvania businesses, protect local jobs and keep these companies rooted in the communities they serve."

The legislation would assist existing employee-owned businesses and those seeking to restructure under an employee-owned model, benefiting workers, business owners and communities.

Senate Bill 478 gained Senate approval and is now in the House for consideration.

"I look forward to supporting the legislation in the House and hope it is brought up for a vote before the end of session," Marcell said. "The legislation will be a benefit to communities and families here in Bucks County and across the Commonwealth."

Representative Kristin Marcell
178th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Patterson
267-688-2590
[email protected]
RepMarcell.com / Facebook.com/RepMarcell