Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2260

Introduced

5/1/24

Refer

5/1/24

Caption

In powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for council's powers concerning police; and, in police force, further providing for appointment, number, rank, compensation and qualifications of police officers.

Impact

If passed, HB 2260 will change existing state laws around the appointment, number, rank, and compensation of police officers by requiring these to be fixed by ordinance and comply with civil service provisions. This could lead to more standardized local police operations across Pennsylvania, as each council would have to adhere to these new structural requirements when managing their police forces. The transition to full-time police departments is intended to improve public safety and community engagement with law enforcement.

Summary

House Bill 2260 aims to amend Titles 8 and 11 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the powers, duties, and rights of appointed officers and employees. This legislation specifically enhances the powers of local councils concerning the establishment of police departments, mandating that if a council opts to create a police force, it must operate as a full-time police department providing 24-hour coverage. The bill emphasizes a structured approach to local law enforcement, ensuring that communities have an adequately staffed police presence to maintain public safety.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 2260 appears to be cautiously supportive from local government officials, who see potential benefits in increasing police accountability and community oversight. However, there are concerns regarding the financial implications for municipalities that may need to allocate additional resources to maintain full-time coverage. Supporters argue that the bill will enhance police services and public safety, while detractors worry about the potential burden on smaller communities that may struggle to meet these new standards.

Contention

A notable point of contention surrounding HB 2260 is the balance of power between state mandates and local discretion. Critics express concern over the potential loss of local control, fearing that smaller municipalities may be forced into a one-size-fits-all approach that does not accommodate their unique community needs. It raises significant discussions on how much autonomy local councils should have in determining the structure and funding of their police departments, especially in diverse regions with varying public safety challenges.

Latest PA HB2260 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB2260

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2257

In police, further providing for appointment, compensation and training of police officers.

PA HB29

In powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for definitions and for appointments of police and fire apparatus operators.

PA HB787

In powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for appointments and incompatible offices.

PA SB753

In associations and organizations, further providing for associations and organizations for mayors; in elections of officers, further providing for eligibility, for officers elected and for decrease in number of members of council; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for appointments and incompatible offices and for police serving under cooperative agreement or contract; in corporate powers, further providing for specific powers; in taxation and finance, further providing for investment of funds; providing for solid waste collection and disposition; in ordinances, further providing for ordinances and resolutions and for publication; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1384

PA HB1234

In city administrator, further providing for appointment of city administrator, for employment agreement, for residency and elective city office and for powers and duties; and, in accounts and finances, further providing for powers and duties of chief fiscal officer.

PA SB774

PA HB1232

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for surcharge by auditors; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for borough manager created by ordinance and election, for powers and duties, for other offices not incompatible and for organization of commission; and, in taxation and finance, further providing for preparation of budget.