Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB632

Introduced
4/11/25  

Caption

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

Impact

The impact of SB 632 on state laws involves significant changes to the governance structures of municipalities. If enacted, this legislation would create a new governance model whereby counties assume direct responsibility for municipalities that choose dissolution. This could streamline public services and administrative tasks but also raises questions about local representation and control, as the governance would pivot from municipal to county oversight, fundamentally altering the nature of local government.

Summary

Senate Bill 632 introduces a framework for the voluntary dissolution of existing forms of governance of municipal corporations in second-class counties in Pennsylvania. The bill allows voters within a municipal corporation to decide if they want to dissolve their governance structure and transfer responsibility for public services to the county through the formation of an unincorporated district. This measure aims to enhance efficiency in service delivery, particularly in municipalities struggling to meet local needs effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding this bill appears to be mixed. Proponents argue that it enables residents to improve governance by choosing a model they believe could better meet their needs. Critics, however, warn that such a shift could dilute local control and diminish the effectiveness of governance at the municipal level, potentially leading to dissatisfaction among residents accustomed to more localized decision-making processes. The discussions thus far indicate a concern over balancing efficiency with the autonomy of local governments.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the potential loss of local governance autonomy and the implications for community identity. Residents and local officials are debating whether relinquishing control to county administration would effectively address issues like resource allocation and service efficiency. Furthermore, there are worries that this could lead to a one-size-fits-all approach to local governance, undermining the unique needs and characteristics of individual communities. The requirement for a referendum to finalize any dissolution indicates the sensitivity surrounding local governance changes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB968

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

PA HB1134

Providing for remittance by a city of the first class to a nonresident's resident municipality and school district.

PA HB1148

Further providing for remittance by a city of the first class to a nonresident's resident municipality and school district.

PA HB1876

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in school directors, further providing for school board in first class A school districts, apportionment of seats and numbers, terms and methods for election of school directors in first class A school districts, for number and election in districts of the second, third and fourth classes and terms of office, for number and election in districts third class and terms of office and for number and election in districts fourth class and terms of office.

PA HB699

Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

PA SB845

Establishing tourism improvement districts and tourism improvement district management associations; and providing for powers of counties, for powers of tourism improvement district management associations, for dissolution of tourism improvement district, for annual audit and report and for applicability.

PA SB11

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA HB2099

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA HB548

In municipal authorities, further providing for method of incorporation, for municipalities withdrawing from and joining in joint authorities, for amendment of articles and for governing body.

PA SB1239

In school finances, further providing for school districts lying in more than one county or in more than one municipality and limitation on total tax revenues.

Similar Bills

PA HB968

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

PA HB1211

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

AZ SB1320

Intergovernmental public transportation authorities; formation

AZ HB2418

Fire district advisory board

CA AB600

Local government: organization: disadvantaged unincorporated communities.

GA HB685

Bartow County Community Improvement Districts Act; enact

CA AB548

Omnitrans Transit District.

CA SB938

The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.