Local Government Committee 04/02/08

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, April 2, 2008, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 1028 (Wozniak) The bill amends the Second Class Township Code (Act of May 1, 1933, P.L.103, No.69) by clarifying when a road is to be declared public by providing for the types of evidence that may used to demonstrate its public purpose.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1332 (Regola) The bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities) by adding a uniform oath of office for elected and appointed municipal officials. The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1335 (Robbins) The bill amends The Second Class County Code (Act of July 28, 1953, P.L. 723, No. 230) by increasing the contribution from second class counties for probation officers for membership subscriptions from $10 to $250, and providing for the expenses of the association of chief adult probation and parole officers.  The bill was reported unanimously.

SB 1334 (Robbins) The bill amends The County Code (Act of August 9, 1955, P.L. 323, No. 130) by increasing the annual expenses for participation in state associations that can be charged to counties for veterans’ affairs director to match that of other county offices, increases the contribution of 7^th and 8^th Class Counties from $400 to $450 for all associations, and increases the contribution from probation officers for membership subscriptions from $10 to $250.  The bill was reported unanimously.

HB 239 (Miller) The bill amends the Second Class Township Code (Act of May 1, 1933, P.L. 103, No. 69) to change the time limit for payment of bills related to assessment from the use of sewer systems, and to permit for the connection of structures to township and authority water systems.

A vote of 9-2 was recorded

SR 253 (Regola) The resolution designates the week of April 14th through 18th, 2008, as "LocalGovernment Week" in Pennsylvania. The resolution was reported unanimously.

Reported Out as Amended

HB 780 (Staback) The bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipal Planning Code (Act of July 31, 1968, P.L. 805, No. 247) to permit for alternate members to be named to planning commissions.  The bill was reported unanimously.

Local Government Committee 12/05/07

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, December 5, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimously)

SB 1141 ( Gordner) The bill amends the 2^ND Class Township Code by providing for the transfer of property from a township to a council of government.

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimously)

SB 987 (Baker) The bill amends the 3^rd Class City Code by stipulating that 3^rd Class cities are responsible for the provisions of fire and emergency medical services.

Local Government Committee 10/17/07

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, October 17, 2007 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 1002 (Brubaker) The bill amends the Borough Code to allow boroughs to work with non-profit organizations or other municipalities to operate and maintain public parks and recreations areas

SB 1003 (Brubaker) The bill amends the Second Class Township Code to allow second class townships to work with non-profit organizations or other municipalities to operate and maintain public parks and recreations areas.

SB 1004 (Brubaker) The bill amends the First Class Township Code to allow first class townships to work with non-profit organizations or other municipalities to operate and maintain public parks and recreations areas.

SB 1126 (Rafferty) The bill amends the Second Class County Code by increasing the threshold at which second class counties must use competitive bidding and public advertising and providing for annual increases.

Reported Out as Amended

SB 1051 (Earll) The bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) Chapter 56 (Municipal Authorities) to require an airport authority to adopt resolutions providing for circumstances under which citizens can gain access to records under the Right-to-Know Act and a code of ethics consistent with the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act.  It also requires that an authority incorporated by a third class city within a third class county to form a board of 11 members. 

Local Government Committee 09/26/07

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, September 26, 2007and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

SB 1071 (Eichelberger) The bill amends the County Code (Act 130 of 1955) by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1072 (Robbins) The bill amends the Third Class Cities Code by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1073 (Regola) The bill amends the First Class Township Code by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1074 (Baker) The bill amends the Second Class Code by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1075 (Corman) The bill amends the Borough Code by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1076 (Gordner) The bill amends the Incorporated Towns Contracts Act by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1077 (Ferlo) The bill amends the Title 53 and Title 74 by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1080 (Brubaker) The bill amends the Political Subdivision Joint Purchases Law by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

SB 1082 (Ferlo) The bill amends the Public Auditorium Law by increasing the threshold for when a competitive bid and public advertising are required for purchases and contracts from $10,000 to $25,000 and provide for annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).

Reported Out as Amended

HB 131 (Yewcic) The bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to prohibit local police from charging a fee or seeking reimbursement for services related to a motor vehicle accident.

Local Government Committee 06/26/07

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 26, 2007and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed

HB 131 (Yewcic) The bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities) by prohibiting municipalities from charging fees for police services related to motor vehicle accidents.

HB 635 (Surra) The bill amends the County Code by extending the date county auditors must submit their annual report to the Department of Community and Economic Development.

HB 917 (Phillips) The bill amends the Borough Code by allowing for the transfer of property from a borough to a council of government (COG) without following bidding requirements.

Local Government Committee 04/18/07

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, April 18, 2007, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimously)

SB 635 (Gordner) The bill amends the Borough Code, Act 581 of 1966, by removing assessor as an elected office.

SB 635 (Gordner) The bill amends the 4^th through 8^th Class County Assessment Law, Act 254 of 1943, by eliminating all references to assessors from boroughs, towns and township of the first class.

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimously)

SB 709 (Folmer) The bill amends the First Class Township Code, Act 331 of 1931, by removing assessor as an elected office.

Local Government Committee 03/27/06

The Senate Local Government Committee met Tuesday, March 27, 2007 and reported out the following:

SR 21- This resolution designates April 15 through 21, 2007, as “Local Government Week” in Pennsylvania.  The resolution was reported unanimously, 11-0.

Local Government Committee 06/27/06

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 27, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (Unanimous)

HB 2064 (Boyd) The bill amends The Borough Code by making changes to assessments and permitting boroughs to cooperate with non-profit corporations for the purpose of acquiring property.

HB 2065 (Boyd) The bill amends The First Class Township Code by making changes to assessments and permitting first class townships to cooperate with non-profit corporations for the purpose of acquiring property.

HB 2066 (Boyd) The bill amends The Second Class Township Code by making changes to assessments and permitting first class townships to cooperate with non-profit corporations for the purpose of acquiring property.

HB 2441 (Boyd) The bill amends Title 62 (Procurement) to create the “Local Government Unit Electronic Bidding Act”. 

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimous)

Local Government Committee 05/03/06

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, May 3, 2006 and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

HB 2158 (Rapp) - This bill amends Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130), The County Code, by increasing the amount that may be charged to each county for its involvement in a directors of veterans’ affairs association from $100 to $400.

HB 2003 (Major) - This bill amends Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130), The County Code, by removing the requirement that county commissioners get the approval of the court of common pleas when appointing special counsel.

HB 2185 (Tangretti) - This bill amends the Act of August 9, 1955 (P.L. 323, No. 130), The County Code, by extending the time that a county controller has to submit its annual financial reports to the Department of Community and Economic Development.

HB 2186 (Tangretti) - This bill amends the Act of July 28, 1953 (P.L. 723, No. 230), The Second Class County Code, by extending the time that a county controller has to submit its annual financial reports.

Local Government Committee 03/28/06

The Senate Local Government Committee met today and reported out the following bills as committed:

SB 514 (Gordner) - This bill amends the Act of May 21, 1943 (P.L., 571, No. 254), also known as The Fourth to Eighth Class County Assessment Law.  The bill removes “assessors” as an elected office of second class townships, and changes it to an appointment to be filled by the township supervisors. 

HB 249 (Miller) - This bill amends the Act of May 1, 1933 (P.L. 103, No. 69), also known as the Second Class Township Code.  The bill enables township supervisors to require property owners whose principal building is within 150 feet of a water system provided by the township a municipal authority or joint water board to connect with and use the system. 

The Senate Local Government Committee reported out the following bills as amended:

SB 513 (Gordner) - This bill amends the Act of May 1, 1933 (P.L. 103, No. 69), also known as the Second Class Township Code.  The bill removes “assessors” as an elected office of these municipalities, and changes it to an appointment to be filled by the township supervisors. 

SB 1114 (Robbins) - This bill amends the Act of May 1, 1933 (P.L. 103, No. 69), also known as the Second Class Township Code.  The bill permits for township officials attending a county association’s annual or semi-annual meeting to be reimbursed for their attendance and expenses for that day.

Local Government Committee 12/14/05

The Senate Local Government Committee met today and reported out the following bills as committed:

SB 928 (Thompson)   The bill amends Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to authorize certain donations by political subdivisions.

SB 986 (Lemmond)   The bill amends Section 1504 (Personal Property) of the Second Class Township Code by allowing townships to sell township property through an online or electronic auction.

HB 893 (Semmel)   This bill amends Act 98 of 1949, titled the “Allowing Water Companies to Suspend Service for Non-Payment Act,” by inserting an additional notice requirement and adding a section providing for compliance of the provisions listed in the “Utility Service Tenants Rights Act” prior to discontinuing service to tenants in a residential building.

Local Government Committee 10/18/05

The Senate Local Government Committee met today and reported the following bill from Committee:

SB 214, PN 206: This bill allows for a $35 fee to be charged to the defendant when municipal police execute a warrant or effectuate the payment of a fine.

House Bill 102, Printer Number 95 was brought up for consideration failed by a vote of 1-11.

House Bill 183, Printer Number 187 was tabled.  Amendment A03064 was offered and failed by a vote of 5-6.

Local Government Committee 6/21/05

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday June 21, 2005 and reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 654 (Kasunic): This bill forbids the assessment boards in counties of the second class A and third class from imposing a fee relating to an appeal of an assessment.

House Bill 87 (Steil): This legislation adds a definition of “Municipal Corporation” to be a city, borough, incorporated town or township and removes the requirement that any property acquired in ‘fee simple’ by a local government unit shall be offered for resale publicly within two years of the date of acquisition, subject to restrictive covenants or easements limiting the land to open space uses.  This legislation provides for an exemption from further millage increases shall be effective only if the governing body of each taxing district that imposes a tax on real property approves the exemption either by ordinance in the case of a county or municipal corporation, or by resolution in the case of a school district.

The Senate Local Government Committee reported out the following bills as amended:

House Bill 136 (Fleagle): This legislation states that appropriations made to non-profit watershed associations by the board of supervisors of a Second Class Township may not be used for litigation against any municipal corporation or individual landowner.

House Bill 266 (Fleagle): This legislation states that appropriations made to non-profit watershed associations by a Borough may not be used for litigation against any municipal corporation or individual landowner. 

House Bill 267 (Fleagle): This legislation states that appropriations made to non-profit watershed associations by the board of supervisors of a First Class Township may not be used for litigation against any municipal corporation or individual landowner. 

Senate Bill 565 (Lemmond): This bill makes the position of District Attorney full time in counties of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh class and counties of the eighth class under certain circumstances.

Local Government Committee 6/14/05

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday June 14, 2005 and reported out the following bill as amended:

Senate Bill 565 (Lemmond): The bill amends the qualifications to be District Attorney and makes the position full time in counties of the third, fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh class and counties of the eighth class under certain circumstances.

Local Government Committee 3/15/05

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, March 15, 2005 and reported the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously)

Senate Bill 291 (PN 298) The article would allow for two or more municipalities located within, or partially within a watershed to enter into joint watershed cooperative agreements. 

Senate Bill 270 (PN 277) This legislation would require that all municipalities submit and adopt a balanced budget using documented collected revenues and not projected revenues from any new, yet to be established taxing powers that would require new legislation passed by the General Assembly.

Senate Bill 125 (PN 108) This bill would allow, but not require, the Attorney General to make annual audits of drug forfeiture funds public. 

Senate Resolution 23 (PN 252) A Resolution designating the week of April 10 through 16, 2005, as "Local Government Week" in Pennsylvania.

The following bill passed unanimously with amendment

Senate Bill 62 (PN 406) This bill would allow for municipalities to enter into electronic bidding.  Amendment 00133, which also passed unanimously, calls for all bidding to be advertised to the public.

The following bill was defeated

Senate Bill 173 (PN 164) This bill would have allowed for governing bodies in counties of the seventh class to abolish the office of jury commissioner.  The vote was 5-6 against.

Local Government Committee 9/29/04

On Wednesday, September 29, 2004 the committee met to consider six bills.

HB 2437 HERMAN The bill amends the Second Class Township Code (Act 69 of 1933) allowing for an increase in membership of the Recreation Board. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

HB 796 MARSICO The bill amends the “Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code” by changing the definition of “multimunicipal plan” and further providing for membership and organization on the zoning hearing board. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

HB 850 STEIL The bill amends the Second Class County Code by making several updates and repeals to contracting provisions of the code, as well as, further providing for elected official benefits. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

SB 1079 M. WHITE The legislation allows non-uniformed retirees of a city of the third class to receive their pension while serving in elected office, as long as they do not accept a salary while serving in office. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

SB 1201 MOWERY The legislation adds an exception to the advertising and bidding requirements for real property owned by a Borough, which will be sold to a non-profit museum or historical society. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

SB 1227 EARLL The legislation amends Title 62 (Procurement) by adding a chapter authorizing electronic bidding by local government units. The bill was reported as committed, unanimously.

Local Government Committee 4/14/04

The Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, April 14, 2004 and took the following actions:

1) Unanimously reported out of committee HB #60, which would allow local government units to exempt certain properties from millage increases. Also approved to the bill was a technical amendment, A1545, which simply removes “school district, county and municipal corporation” from section 1, page 7, line 8 and inserts “governing body of each district.”

2) Unanimously reported out committee HB #2190, which amends the Second Class Township Code regarding the sale of real property to a nonprofit organization to acquire and maintain real property for the conservation of open space.

3) Unanimously reported out of committee HB #2428, which amends the First Class Township Code regarding the construction and maintenance of fire houses.

Local Government Committee 3/16/04

The Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, March 16, 2004 and took the following actions:

1) Unanimously approved motions to revert to the prior printers and report out of committee HB #2207, which amends the Second Class City Law to provide further duties for the city controller and for statements of receipts and expenditures by city-council approved authorities.

2) Unanimously reported out committee HB #2208, which amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to prohibit a second class city from providing a balanced budget that includes projected revenue requiring the General Assembly to enact new taxing powers.

3) Unanimously reported out of committee HB #2239, which amends the County Code to make changes regarding the eligibility, service requirements and compensation level for district attorneys in third through eighth class counties.

Local Government Committee 2/10/04

The Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, February 10, 2004, and took the following action:

1) Unanimous approval of HB1235, an act amending the Act of June 24, 1931 (P.L. 1206, No. 331), known as The First Class Township Code, further providing for personnel of shade tree commission, their appointment, terms and vacancies.

2) Unanimous approval of HB1236, an act amending the Act of May 1, 1933 (P.L. 103, No. 69), known as The Second Class Township Code, further providing for shade tree commission members, their appointment, terms and vacancies.

The Boards now have the ability to expand from three to five members in both classes of township.

Local Government Committee 9/24/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, September 24, 2003 and reported the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously)

Senate Bill 689 (PN 792) This bill removes the requirement that the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) annually furnish uniform budget forms to municipalities.

Senate Bill 690 (PN 830) This legislation would authorize the Secretary of Revenue to prescribe the time of the month when county row officers must remit monies to the Department of Revenue.

Senate Bill 892 (PN 1138) This bill would allow for attorney fees to be included when municipalities enact subdivision and land development ordinances for the review and processing of plats by the municipality.

Senate Resolution 114 (PN 1057) This resolution designates October as Planning Great Communities Month.

Local Government Committee 6/2/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, July 2, 2003, and reported out the following bills:

As Committed (unanimously)

House Bill 248 (PN 277) (Solobay) This bill amends the Borough Code regarding the use of dedicated taxes to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 249 (PN 1988) (Solobay) This bill amends the First Class Township Codes regarding the use of dedicated taxes to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 250 (PN 279) (Solobay) This bill amends the Second Class Township Code regarding the use of dedicated taxes to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 1148 (PN 2160) (Nickol)  This bill amends the Local Government Unit Debt Act to allow local government units to enter into and negotiate qualified interest rate management agreements with other parties.

As Amended (unanimously)

Senate Bill 507 (PN 1051) (Ferlo) This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to prohibit all municipalities from submitting and adopting a budget based upon projected revenue that in order to be collected require the enactment by the General Assembly of new taxing powers.

Local Government Committee 6/24/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, and reported out the following bills:

Senate Bill 716 (PN 838) (Rafferty) This bill amends the Third Class City Code to further provide for the exercise of eminent domain as it relates to public recreation places.

House Bill 51(PN 2183) (Herman) This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to clarify the language and the calculation of tapping fees regarding water and sewer authorities as addressed in the Municipality Authorities Act.

Local Government Committee 6/18/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, June 18, 2003, and reported out the following bill:

House Bill 77 (PN 71)(Herman) This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to provide for a new home rule charter option when consolidation or merger is initiated by the voters.

Local Government Committee 4/30/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, April 30, 2003, and tabled the following legislation for the purpose of a future public hearing:

Senate Bill 181(PN 186) (Corman) Amends the County Code regarding the abolishment of the office of jury commissioner in a county of the seventh class.

Local Government Committee 3/24/03

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Monday, March 24, 2003 and reported the following:

Senate Bill 442 (PN 573) (Orie) Amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law to further govern the filing and collection of municipal claims and tax liens. New definitions and language make it clear that the recovery of attorney fees includes both tax and municipal claims and are collectible, not only by the municipal claimant, but also by their assignees.

Local Government Committee 3/5/03

The Senate Local Government reported out the following bill:

Senate Bill 277 (PN 284) (Robbins) This bill removes the one year residency requirement for an applicant of any fire department employment position in cities of the third class.

Local Government Committee 10/25/02

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Monday, November 25, 2002, and reported out the following bills:

House Bill 2456 (PN 3493) (Stern) This bill amends the Deputy Sheriffs' Education and Training further providing for reimbursement for deputy sheriff training and education.

House Bill 2772 (PN 4630) (Hennessey) This bill establishes the Targeted Community Revitalization and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee.

House Bill 2971 (PN 4629) (Gordner) This bill provides for salaries for the President and Council Members of incorporated towns (Bloomsburg).

Local Government Committee 10/9/02

The Local Government Committee met on Wednesday, October 9, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

Senate Bill 514 (PN 5320)(Robbins) This bill removes the one year residency requirement for an applicant of any fire department employment position for cities of the third class.

House Bill 1947 (PN 4465) (Habay) This bill amends the Second Class Township Code by waiving the formal requirements for the sale of county-owned real property to nonprofit corporations engaged in community industrial or commercial development, or affordable housing construction. The amendment extends to Second Class and Second Class A Counties the provisions that Act 142 of 2000 granted to 3rd through 8th Class Counties concerning contract language and changes in technologies and market places.

Local Government Committee 6/11/02

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, June 11, 2002, and reported the following bills:

Senate Bill 1380 (PN 1858) (Gerlach) This bill amends the Deputy Sheriff's Education and Training Act to provide 100% reimbursement to counties for ordinary and necessary living and travel expenses and the regular salary of deputy sheriffs while attending approved schools.

Senate Bill 1374 (PN 1852) (Waugh) This bill amends the County Code to allow county law enforcement officials to provide official services for compensation from various associations or corporations without violating the provisions of current law that prohibits such service as a county employee..

House Bill 930 (PN 3310) (Herman) This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) to provide for a new home rule charter option when consolidation or merger is initiated by the voters.

Local Government Committee 4/30/02

The Senate Local Government Committee met on Tuesday, April 30, 2002, and reported out the following bills:

Senate Resolution 183 (PN 1849) (Gerlach) This resolution designates the month of October 2002 as Planning Great Communities Month.

House Bill 1326 (PN 3270) (Solobay) This bill amends the Second Class Township Code to permit the use of a portion of the dedicated fire tax to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 1327 (PN 3271) (Solobay) This bill amends the Borough Code to permit the use of a portion of the dedicated fire tax to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 1328 (PN 3272) (Solobay) This bill amends the First Class Township Code to permit the use of a portion of the dedicated fire tax to support fire protection, ambulance service, rescue squads and other emergency services.

House Bill 2223 (PN 3032) (Pistella) This bill amends the Second Class County Recorder of Deeds Fee Law to increase the fee charged by a recorder of deeds and to establish a County Records Improvement Fund.

House Bill 2005 (PN 3790) (Ross) This bill was amended via a Thompson amendment that was actually offered by Gerlach. The amendment removed language that was added to the bill during house pasage. With the adoption of the Thompson/Gerlach amendment the bill in essence reverted to it's original printer's number. The original printer's number amends the County Code to permit the county commissioners to appropriate money for the payment of a solicitor for a county controller or county auditor.