Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1211

Introduced
4/15/25  

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

If enacted, HB 1211 will modify existing state laws regarding local governance in Pennsylvania, specifically for second-class counties. It allows for the transfer of responsibilities from dissolved municipalities to the county, potentially streamlining services and reducing redundancy. The bill also mandates the creation of essential services transition plans to ensure that public services are administered effectively during and after the transition. This could significantly alter the way communities access municipal services and the nature of local governance.

Summary

House Bill 1211 provides a framework for the voluntary dissolution of municipal corporations located in counties of the second class, facilitating their governance by unincorporated districts administered by the county. This bill aims to empower residents to transition to a governance structure that may enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of municipal services. The process involves an intergovernmental cooperation agreement and a mandatory referendum for residents, allowing for a representative voice in whether to dissolve their existing municipal government in favor of county administration.

Sentiment

The reception of HB 1211 appears mixed, reflecting both support for increased efficiency in local governance and concerns over the implications of dissolving locally elected bodies. Proponents argue that the bill promotes better resource allocation and governance by professionals at the county level rather than potentially inefficient local councils. Opponents, however, view this as a threat to local autonomy and democracy, raising fears of diminished representation for residents in the unincorporated districts.

Contention

The bill addresses significant contention surrounding local government authority and community identity. Critics warn that dissolving municipal corporations could lead to a loss of localized decision-making power and tailor-made approaches that address community-specific issues. Additionally, the referendum process may present challenges, particularly if there is a lack of education or understanding among the electorate regarding the implications of such a move.

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 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 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 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 SB632

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.

CA AB548

Omnitrans Transit District.

GA HB685

Bartow County Community Improvement Districts Act; enact

CA SB938

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