Local Government

Pennsylvania House Bill 2727 authorizes local governments to offer a voluntary property tax freeze for seniors who are at least 65 years old, have lived in the state for five or more years, and meet specific income limits. Eligible homeowners can keep their real estate taxes fixed at the amount paid during a designated base year, provided they continue to meet financial criteria that are adjusted annually for inflation. The tax freeze applies only to a primary residence and transfers if the owner moves within the same local jurisdiction, but it ends when the property is sold or transferred. The state Department of Community and Economic Development will oversee the program by creating a standardized application form and publishing annual reports on its performance and cost savings.

This bill updates Pennsylvania laws regarding borough and town governance to address financial management when auditor positions are empty. It allows a borough council to temporarily appoint one or two individuals to fill vacancies in the auditor's office, granting them the same powers as elected auditors until the next election. Additionally, the legislation clarifies that the council must adopt the town budget by December 31 and ensures total spending cannot exceed available estimated revenues. The council retains full discretion to set the qualifications for these temporary appointments.

This bill allows local governments in Pennsylvania to automatically permit battery storage systems as accessory uses on land already approved for commercial solar projects. Under the new rules, these storage units must be located within the same property boundaries and have a capacity that does not exceed the solar facility's generating capacity. Once approved, the storage systems do not require additional special permits or land use approvals, though they must still follow all existing safety and fire codes. The legislation also clarifies that adding battery storage does not change any financial terms or tax exemptions associated with the original solar facility.

This bill allows second-class townships in Pennsylvania to vote on adding a new local tax to fund their police departments. Under the proposed changes, a township board of supervisors can place a referendum on the ballot to approve an annual tax of up to three mills on real property. If voters approve the measure, the collected funds would be used specifically to support the local police force. The tax would be collected in cash and would become effective 60 days after the bill is passed.

This bill allows townships of the first class in Pennsylvania to vote on whether to impose a new annual tax of up to three mills to fund their police departments. Under the proposed changes, the board of commissioners can only set this tax rate if residents approve it through a public referendum. The legislation applies specifically to these townships and would only take effect 60 days after it becomes law.