SMCA closely monitors events and issues affecting our members' businesses. Check here regularly for updates on technical, safety, and legislative happenings!
Construction policy continues to evolve across Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Washington as lawmakers grapple with economic pressures, workforce shortages, energy demand, and long-term infrastructure investment. Below is a summary of recent legislative activity most relevant to our community. Continue Reading
The federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act created a new income tax deduction for “qualified overtime compensation,” effective beginning in tax year 2025. Continue Reading
Women in Construction Week is my chance, as part of the SMCA Philadelphia contractor community, to highlight the women who strengthen our industry from every angle: company and industry leadership, training and outreach, and jobsite leadership. Continue Reading
A new New Jersey law now formally regulates fire and smoke damper inspections and smoke control system testing, establishing required inspection intervals and certification standards for contractors performing this work in the state. The legislation, P.L. 2023, c.186, known as the Fire Life... Continue Reading
As we begin 2026, both SMACNA National and SMACNA PA are signaling an active year across the legislative and regulatory landscape. With national elections ahead, ongoing workforce pressures, and continued attention to permitting and procurement, several developments have direct implications for... Continue Reading
Our final Legislative Update of the year brings a high-level view of the policy landscape shaping construction in Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Washington. With the state budget finally resolved, major debates over energy reliability and data center regulation unfolding, and the City of... Continue Reading
The November elections in Pennsylvania and New Jersey brought continuity at the top and a few notable shifts below the surface—changes that could shape how contractors plan for the next few years. In New Jersey, voters elected Mikie Sherrill (D) as governor and strengthened Democratic... Continue Reading
As contractors who rely on union labor and value stability in the construction marketplace, it’s worth paying attention to what’s happening on November 4. While national headlines may be quiet, both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have key decisions ahead that will shape the business and... Continue Reading
SMACNA and SMART released a joint statement detailing how union sheet metal contractors and craftworkers support nuclear power—from containment-grade HVAC to nuclear-specific welding—backed by rigorous certifications and site-specific training. Why this matters nowLife-extension,... Continue Reading
We’ve pulled the latest from primary sources and trusted industry summaries to keep you and your teams current on what matters in Philadelphia City Hall, Harrisburg, and Washington, D.C. It’s concise by design: quick headlines, why it matters for contractors, and what to do next.... Continue Reading
