Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1197

Introduced
5/19/23  

Caption

In powers of department and local authorities, providing for period for application review.

Impact

The implementation of HB 1197 could significantly impact how the state's department processes applications, potentially leading to faster turnaround times for vehicle registrations and licenses. By creating a structured timeline, it holds the agency accountable for prompt service delivery, thereby improving the overall customer experience for residents navigating the vehicle registration process. Moreover, the requirement for fee refunds in cases of processing delay may incentivize the department to adhere closely to these timelines, ultimately benefiting applicants financially.

Summary

House Bill 1197 is an amendment to Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focused on the application review processes managed by the department concerning vehicle registrations and other related matters. The bill establishes a stipulated period within which applications must be processed—within 90 days of receipt. It mandates the department to provide refunds for application fees if processing times exceed the designated period unless the delay is due to the need for additional information from the applicant. This measure aims to enhance efficiency and accountability in the application procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB 1197 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among stakeholders who emphasize the need for improved government efficiency and responsiveness. Advocates argue that this bill is a proactive step towards enhancing transparency and trust in governmental operations. However, there may also be concerns from those who fear potential administrative burdens that could arise from stricter deadlines. Overall, the prevailing view leans towards optimism regarding the bill's potential to streamline processes.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB 1197 is centered on the balance between expedited service and the capacity of the department to meet new requirements without compromising the quality of service. Critics may worry that the push for quicker processing could lead to oversight or errors if the department is under pressure to comply with the 90-day deadline. Furthermore, there could be debates about the administrative implications of tracking and managing refunds, especially relating to the financial implications for the state if the volume of refund requests increases significantly.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB3673

Relating to the timeline for reviewing land use applications.

PA HB364

Allow for independent subdivision reviews for past due applications

PA SB974

Relating to the timeline for reviewing land use applications for housing; and prescribing an effective date.

PA HB1422

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA HB1372

In preliminary provisions, further providing for advertising and sponsorships; and, in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements, for powers of board of trustees, for facilities, for enrollment, for funding for charter schools, for funding for cyber charter schools, for powers and duties of department, for assessment and evaluation and for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions, providing for fund balance limits and for educational management service providers, further providing for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities and for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewal of charters, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination and further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application, for enrollment and notification and for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations.

PA SB542

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA SB420

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB1241

Providing for the licensure of bodywork facilities; imposing powers and duties on the Department of State; and prescribing penalties.

PA HB663

Providing for the licensure of bodywork facilities; imposing powers and duties on the Department of State; and prescribing penalties.

PA SB40

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for departmental responsibilities and for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration and for application with driver's license application, providing for Commonwealth agencies and other entities and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; and providing for privacy and security standards for voter registration in this Commonwealth.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.