Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1579

Introduced
6/9/25  

Caption

In constables, further providing for townships, providing for bond, further providing for police officers, providing for bail bond enforcement agent, for professional bondsman, for debt collection, for other incompatible employment, for disqualification and for nepotism, further providing for conduct and insurance, for program established, for program contents, for restricted account and for general imposition of duties and grant of powers, providing for constabulary badge and uniform, repealing provisions relating to arrest of offenders against forest laws, further providing for executions, for arrest in boroughs, for fees and for specific fees, repealing provisions relating to impounding, selling and viewing fees, further providing for seizure fees, for election notice in certain areas, for incompetence and for compensation violation, repealing provisions relating to failure to serve in a township and providing for oversight; authorizing county constabulary review boards; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The implications of HB 1579 are significant for local law enforcement practices, primarily by reinforcing oversight mechanisms such as the creation of county constabulary review boards. Such review boards would be tasked with monitoring constable activities, ensuring adherence to regulations, and assessing performance standards. The bill also aims to clarify roles in areas that involve bail bond practices and the management of related financial responsibilities, which may enhance transparency and reduce potential conflicts of interest.

Summary

House Bill 1579 aims to redefine and expand the role of constables in policing and law enforcement within Pennsylvania. It outlines specific provisions regarding the conduct of constables, the establishment of oversight boards, and modifies regulations related to bail bond enforcement. This bill seeks to enhance the accountability of constables while providing more structure to their duties and powers. Additionally, it seeks to address issues of incompatibility in employment for these officials and introduce measures against nepotism within the constabulary office.

Sentiment

Sentiment around HB 1579 has been mixed, with support emerging from law enforcement advocacy groups that appreciate the push for enhanced accountability and structured operational guidelines. Conversely, there are concerns about potential bureaucratic overreach, particularly among constables and local officials who fear that the new regulations could complicate their operational autonomy. Discussions indicate a division between the desire for reform and the preservation of traditional constabulary practices.

Contention

The contention primarily revolves around the balance of power and oversight in law enforcement. Opponents argue that increased regulations may hinder the ability of constables to operate effectively in their communities. Concerns have also been raised regarding the potential for increased administrative burdens on constables and the implications for service delivery. Supporters, however, emphasize the need for improved standards and accountability frameworks to enhance public trust in law enforcement.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1963

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA HB2083

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in records, further providing for fees for copies.

PA SB1267

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

PA HB2598

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

PA HB428

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault and for probable cause arrests in domestic violence cases; repealing provisions relating to abortion; in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities; providing for reproductive rights; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1716

In entities generally, further providing for requirements for names generally and providing for registration of name of domestic nonfiling association; in entity transactions, further providing for nature of transactions and for approval by limited liability company; in foreign associations, further providing for foreign registration statement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and shareholders, further providing for derivative action; in foreign business corporations, further providing for application of article; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for certain specifically authorized debt terms; in officers, directors and members, further providing for derivative action; in general partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement; in limited partnerships, further providing for contents of partnership agreement and for derivative action; and, in limited liability companies, further providing for contents of operating agreement and for derivative action.

PA SB357

In inchoate crimes, further providing for the offense of possession of firearm or other dangerous weapon in court facility; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for relinquishment of firearms and firearm licenses by convicted persons, repealing provisions relating to firearms not to be carried without a license and relating to carrying loaded weapons other than firearms, providing for license not required, further providing for prohibited conduct during emergency, repealing provisions relating to carrying firearms on public streets or public property in Philadelphia, providing for sportsman's firearm permit and further providing for licenses, for sale or transfer of firearms, for antique firearms and for proof of license and exception; in protection from abuse, further providing for relief; in hunting and furtaking, further providing for cooperation after lawfully killing big game; and, in protection of property and persons, further providing for loaded firearms in vehicles.

PA HB1244

Further providing for title of act, repealing provisions relating to fee schedule, providing for definitions and for fees for recordation of documents and further providing for County Records Improvement Fund and for county demolition fund; and making repeals.

PA HB2289

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in fees, providing for electric vehicle fire hazard fee; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB1555

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in pupils and attendance, providing for educational oversight for juveniles in facilities, further providing for possession of weapons prohibited and providing for placement of certain adjudicated students; in safe schools, further providing for definitions and for reporting and providing for School-Based Diversion Programs Fund; in school security, further providing for powers and duties and providing for limitations on proceedings and arrest; and, in school districts of the first class, repealing provisions relating to placement of certain adjudicated students.

Similar Bills

PA SB1267

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

PA SB83

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

PA HB285

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

PA HB2598

In constables, further providing for restricted account and for fees.

NV SB381

Revises provisions relating to governmental administration. (BDR 20-1076)

AR HB1287

To Make Technical Corrections To Title 16 Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Practice, Procedure, And The Courts.

KY HB239

AN ACT relating to local government and making an appropriation therefor.

LA HB786

Authorizes constables of justice of the peace courts to have parishwide jurisdiction for enforcement of certain motor vehicle violations