HB 162 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending Title 11 (Cities) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in taxation, further providing for tax levies.

This bill allows Pennsylvania cities to levy an annual property tax of up to one-tenth of a cent (0.5 mill) specifically to fund local ambulance, rescue, and emergency services. Cities may use up to half the revenue from this tax for staff salaries and benefits, with council approval required to exceed this limit (though a resolution can waive the cap). If a city proposes a tax rate above 0.5 mill, it must submit the question to voters at the next municipal election occurring at least 60 days after the proposal. The law directly affects cities seeking to finance emergency services through property tax without voter approval for rates at or below 0.5 mill.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2025
House Passage
Feb 2025
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2025 Last action Feb 5, 2025
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN0120 Printer's No. PN0477 · 3 edits
MINOR
The bill text was updated from Printer's No. 120 to Printer's No. 477, reflecting committee amendments and procedural changes. The most significant policy change allows city councils to waive the one-half mill revenue appropriation limit for emergency service employee compensation through a resolution, giving councils more flexibility in funding emergency services.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on Pennsylvania cities and their ability to levy taxes for emergency services, but the funding mechanism for employee compensation has been expanded.
FISCAL

Added provision allowing city councils to waive the one-half mill revenue appropriation limit for paying ambulance, rescue, or other emergency service employee salaries and benefits through a resolution.

TECHNICAL

Updated bill version number from Printer's No. 120 to Printer's No. 477, indicating committee amendments and procedural updates.

TIMELINE

Added committee report date (February 5, 2025) and updated bill introduction date reference.

Floor votes · House Feb 5, 2025

How they voted

251
Passed
Total votes 26
Feb 5, 2025
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
11 Yea 1 Nay
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Feb 5, 2025
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (25-1)
house
Feb 5, 2025
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Jan 16, 2025
Committee
Referred to Local Government
lower
1 primary · 4 co-sponsors

Sponsors