[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6243593,"mediaKeyId","3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476","parentId",3238078,"title","Committee backs bill letting municipalities repair private water and sewer laterals, adds US‑made materials requirement","audioSeconds",664,"startMs",357000,"endMs",1021000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476&start=357&end=1021","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476/thumbnail_357000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6243593/Pennsylvania/Committee-backs-bill-letting-municipalities-repair-private-water-and-sewer-laterals-adds-USmade-materials-requirement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243593-4a1e46a4f51dd151c1a3a0f9680f357c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775721050&Signature=AEPg3rMc4cKx85kiFONv5oNy0vhG8wSqwbHW9wP1SHDbLtWILdQjeYu9lbTFza-DSQJtXinKm9ko4PBJz4QCM0nAMTZElB-0BOMnYRc-hZi5rMRuMWCut7mQf8KKIghj3~EYU-aCB6vQa4GCAb8FDzelE2zPq5qMrqexFG2ylglt0g5Vp9vXx9nRKQBiTI9iJ2AbzaKGexbRec0RQHD2i-mkiO7fbpHZd8pi-3~YVF4MTbmI3G1al6AuTq9tKFc6VyoR1t3GjLC0u2C5MTiuNHGHqbFBXrg4iOfyKrBcIAb9PfBhnf66MAnq2WXCWWvHgBPsRkW~-iTEBNF5DLFPCA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Pennsylvania House of Representatives","date","2025-05-08T02:58:58Z","article","House Local Government Committee members reported House Bill 1048 on a 14-12 vote after adopting amendments that add a U.S.-made materials preference and a conflict-of-interest prohibition.

The bill, sponsored by Representative Serrato, would add a new chapter to Title 53 to authorize cities, boroughs, incorporated towns, and townships to repair or replace private water or sewer laterals connected to public systems when the municipality determines the work benefits public health, the public water supply, or the public sewer system. The legislation allows municipalities to use public funds and municipal employees for such work but specifies that the municipality would not be deemed the owner of private laterals solely by performing the work.

Committee staff said municipalities already have some authority under Act 44 of 2017 to repair or replace private laterals, and the bill would clarify and expand that authority. Chairman Freeman read the bill summary and presided over consideration.

Two amendments were adopted before the vote. Amendment A00464, offered by Chairman Freeman, requires municipalities and contractors to use \"best efforts\" to utilize materials made or assembled in the United States, and allows the municipality or contractor to adopt a written waiver if U.S. materials are unavailable in sufficient quantities or within the necessary timeframe. The amendment also clarified that the bill would not supersede laws requiring competitive bidding.

Amendment A00559, offered by Chairman Miller, adds language to prohibit actions under the bill that would constitute a conflict of interest. Miller said the change was intended to \"dispell some of the concerns\" about potential favoritism by local officials.

Representative Miller announced he would vote no on the bill as reported, citing the need for additional safeguards such as special assessments or liens so municipal taxpayer dollars would not fund private repairs without protections. Other members, including Serrato and supporters, said the bill addresses public health and community safety concerns.

The committee recorded the bill as reported by a 14-12 vote. The bill now moves to the next step in the legislative process, with further amendments possible on the floor.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Local Government Committee -- May 7, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Local Government Committee members reported House Bill 1048 on a 14-12 vote after adopting amendments that add a U.S.-made materials preference and a conflict-of-interest prohibition.","taxTitle","Local Government, House of Representatives, Legislative, Pennsylvania","taxId",29265,"location","Pennsylvania","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243574,"Committee advances bill to provide post‑retirement COLAs for municipal police and firefighters; amendment to prepay liability fails",318,2285000,2603000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476&start=2285&end=2603","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476/thumbnail_2285000.jpg","/articles/6243574/Pennsylvania/Committee-advances-bill-to-provide-postretirement-COLAs-for-municipal-police-and-firefighters-amendment-to-prepay-liability-fails","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243574-291532f773c4947c007b9beae83c7392/orig.mp4?Expires=1775721050&Signature=lQgvmGtoC79r9HTkxegR6yr9013Q8Wgh2qnPAOrEltLQULdBOb2l3dKK6DQ-b-h40A9tjVbtdyfWluSvM5gLg9nA3wChuk6x4A~~-ty6ZkKapRIRexFflQDJlcJiP0J8rCbinBlBiuNgbq7AAuIOqlEv9JM3tluQ8ED7qQOvAIK5ikUvsSlBEzDhLREjDtzClFmlvxEUxyodlfNJiVEgvvwZOTY~77tDJRo~SPGecG7hnUCD~o5nXCLPpoiOhni3Af00bJs~thG1d51Qvq9Qs6EEXPgPPmDSS8u57uhIbUIfc0SgHxd1JCZbXf00jJGQ1jTczIAqdcwWQQrm2uOD~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Local Government Committee voted 16-10 to report House Bill 1289, which would require municipal retirement systems to provide ad hoc cost-of-living adjustments (COLAs) for certain police officers and firefighters who retired on or before Jan. 1, 2016. The bill scales payments by years retired and directs the Commonwealth to reimburse municipalities for a portion of amortized costs from the general fund.

Under the bill text read by committee staff, annuitants retired 10–15 years would receive $250 per month, those retired 15–20 years $375 per month, and those retired 20 or more years $500 per month. If an annuitant is eligible for COLAs from more than one municipal retirement system, the bill would reduce payments so total COLAs do not exceed the stated amounts. The legislation also reduces the adjustment by 65% of any COLA already paid after Jan. 1, 2002 and before December 2025, and it allows municipalities to be reimbursed for portions of COLAs paid from non-state aid municipal revenues.

Sponsor Representative Malagari said the measure is a targeted adjustment for retirees whose fixed pensions have been eroded by inflation and medical costs; he said the cost is finite, transparent, and intended for a one-year implementation that then continues at the adjusted amount for eligible annuitants. He noted prior votes on similar measures and said the Commonwealth would need to appropriate dedicated funds in the 2025-26 budget to reimburse municipalities.

Chairman Miller offered amendment A00509, which would require the General Assembly to appropriate sufficient funds from the general fund to reimburse municipal pension systems for all unfunded liability generated by the COLAs. Miller said prepayment would avoid creating new unfunded liabilities borne by taxpayers and could allow pension funds to invest the upfront payment. Members debated the fiscal approach. The amendment was defeated on a roll call 14-12.

During general debate, opponents including Chairman Miller said the bill as drafted could create significant unfunded actuarial liabilities; Miller cited an earlier IFO estimate that he said showed an unfunded liability of about $342 million under a prior version. Sponsor Malagari reiterated that municipalities would initially pay the benefit and be reimbursed by the Commonwealth after submission to the Auditor General and that appropriation would be addressed in the budget process.

On the final roll call the committee reported the bill 16-10. Members noted an actuarial note will be prepared and that the bill’s fiscal implications will be considered as part of budget deliberations.

","The House Local Government Committee voted 16-10 to report House Bill 1289, which would grant ad hoc COLAs to municipal police and firefighter annuitants retired on or before Jan. 1, 2016, with payments scaled by years retired.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243579,"Committee reports bipartisan bills to give second‑class townships hiring flexibility, speed borough vacancy fills",120,1885000,2005000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476&start=1885&end=2005","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476/thumbnail_1885000.jpg","/articles/6243579/Pennsylvania/Committee-reports-bipartisan-bills-to-give-secondclass-townships-hiring-flexibility-speed-borough-vacancy-fills","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243579-f6bbee76adc8c71a888e50f2276225d9/orig.mp4?Expires=1775721050&Signature=VFtMZcFiL7u3-GZ6yhZWQZzyneJYvMg7foj2zHglj9cO31ndi5qiMzhRDlj-KZW-TtuiruzQN~xo26bQKCfpkwT6-5I-h4sjDTZsIS2tVRLHuRPJzinXVUOVRbaUaVf3wgGCN1RfJX~dWEc2o6kHQBw8BVkTRTe5w8ORNWzECq5lHYS3wPAsxpIjtF4FnMZgq-MCHwRskkaPuMYXN1rrjpW85M6bNewr0092WEmudkSgNUcnlq4vChgXMRVts1nFWKg9TeGTvGrTTliHMRP2faQucUuNaSB8H3JuuXN6Kv34Psz7Eh63H9TqDODlsu4aPwmWGInBOykudX6WcboDog__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The committee unanimously reported two bills from the Local Government Commission intended to harmonize municipal codes and help local governments fill management and elected‑office vacancies more quickly.

House Bill 1185, sponsored by Representative Lee James, would amend the second-class township code to permit townships to appoint a professional corporation or firm to serve as township manager and would absolve township managers from actions taken under the legal opinion of a township solicitor, aligning second-class township code with recent changes made for cities and boroughs.

Julia Frey of the Local Government Commission told the committee the language mirrors changes enacted last session for cities of the third class (Act 3 of 2024) and boroughs (Act 110 of 2024) and already exists in the first-class township code; the bill is intended to provide consistent authority across municipal codes and practical flexibility when officials are hard to recruit.

House Bill 1195, also presented by Chairman Lee James, would amend the borough code to provide an expedited or clarified expiration process for filling borough vacancies so governing bodies can continue to operate. Frey said similar provisions were enacted previously for first-class townships (Act 130 of 2024), and the bill extends consistency to boroughs.

Committee members said the measures deliver administrative flexibility for smaller municipalities and address recruitment and continuity challenges; both bills passed the committee by unanimous voice votes and will be reported as committed.

","Two Local Government Commission bills were reported: HB 1185 would allow second-class townships to appoint a professional corporation or firm to serve as township manager; HB 1195 would add an expiration process to fill borough vacancies. Both measures were reported unanimously.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243584,"Committee approves allowing recording devices as official records for zoning hearing boards",64,1747000,1811000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476&start=1747&end=1811","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476/thumbnail_1747000.jpg","/articles/6243584/Pennsylvania/Committee-approves-allowing-recording-devices-as-official-records-for-zoning-hearing-boards","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243584-6653c49e770d929c29736a32db63ab2c/orig.mp4?Expires=1775721050&Signature=BmZ1MrrLuMJBU31phq9aaYriWSXI6Z1WHE0Z3m39LwwKt98pTpHUVYdYa8u9CuC3kVPTMORoqXEr6nH9BloP9j9RDm079mXQQ0Oc55m-fMwKZ46DNjh9XfFjo8BeuOyw5iXVPomFP6Ko912HbWSRafnnjafCR8v8WsYqadtkTgMxxImdb0trKNVjPdiwDWT-0zLfaEpkVitHHc7Y0eq7O8ECYsqmNJn8cmeOALtQ4lKpnZ4r1p1iJv3wAQyT~82-q6Hw9KeqVfaSaBggHgfi08t0xzs8-jRkf9VhXuJ8bfPOzOY77oC5BqGDRyBkMMhablwAOw0KA70ZLNrUd7QMOA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Local Government Committee reported House Bill 977 after adopting an amendment that broadens the bill’s language from \"audio recordings\" to recordings from a defined \"recording device,\" which can include photographic or video cameras and audio or video recorders.

Representative Kuzma sponsored the bill to allow zoning hearing boards to accept recordings in place of stenographic transcripts. Committee staff explained that amendment A00472, offered by Chairman Freeman, replaces the narrower term \"audio recording\" with \"recording device\" and adds a definition to cover photographic or video cameras, audio or video recorders, or other devices now existing or later developed that capture images or audio.

Members discussed the amendment briefly and supported the change; Chairman Freeman called a voice vote and the committee adopted the amendment unanimously. After no further discussion, the committee reported the bill; the transcript records one no vote (Representative Wendy Fink) and otherwise a near-unanimous vote recorded as 25-1.

Proponents said the change would modernize local practice and provide flexibility to boards that may lack stenographic services. The bill will now proceed to the full House for further consideration.

","House Bill 977, as amended, would permit zoning hearing boards to use recordings (audio, video, photographic, or other recording devices) as an alternative to stenographic records; the committee adopted an amendment broadening the definition and reported the bill.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6243588,"Committee advances bill requiring larger, readable signs for proposed subdivisions and developments",697,1034000,1731000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476&start=1034&end=1731","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3238078-2e38ad2f8ad88192719821b52aa45476/thumbnail_1034000.jpg","/articles/6243588/Pennsylvania/Committee-advances-bill-requiring-larger-readable-signs-for-proposed-subdivisions-and-developments","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6243588-1f83a930191a47d418e7b330e6f8c35d/orig.mp4?Expires=1775721050&Signature=Zsg3nQzYj4ICC-SG4LDaaAy-mL3vDD92S7BUxBsnsqzui5t1LP842YoGtw1sAGrmRmOaHBHdN31pkTse9vb3cuKrBYe12d8S6SEClHnrvhht7jkJCVzx62Ny54ilBigXZqyH1RlFlQRtgflAizgmhuWQyjsh3BZFNVnD1IUUISgKwQD41FC0d9MX0yo7iVPPxEkH-Zd7ln-q59n9dzqV2t3l3k4lyLYXyKUYIcqvuydeVQZWzXIfb8lgCeRTnXTHDPSiH8uGHmrFVkSvkV9Ig12ed8XILRh~N96yVbhsahA0Bc5jiWEcGfIddH-SuDAJ2o3LPIouTlTTEz35P4x6jw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House Local Government Committee voted to report House Bill 375, which would require posted signage on land proposed for subdivision or land development and set minimum size and readability standards.

Representative Saricis sponsored the bill, which the committee described as a measure to increase public notice of impending development. Committee staff summarized the proposal: signs must be at least 9 square feet, posted along external road frontage no later than seven days after the first official submission, placed outside the public right of way, remain posted until a decision or withdrawal, and use a type and font readable from at least 50 feet with a project summary title in at least 4-inch letters.

Saricis told the committee he drafted the bill after noticing small, weathered notices that residents could not read while driving. He said the requirement is not intended to block development but to make it easier for residents to know when a parcel is subject to subdivision or development so they can participate in local review processes.

Members with planning experience, including a former town planner, raised practical concerns about verification and edge cases — for example, panhandle lots or irregular frontages — and who would be responsible for enforcement. Saricis said the provisions reflected recommendations from planners and planning organizations the sponsor consulted. Committee counsel said the bill sets a minimum standard and that municipalities could adopt higher requirements if they choose.

Supporters from growth-affected districts said the signage would increase transparency and participation; Representative Reichard questioned whether notice alone would change outcomes when a proposed development otherwise met zoning and Municipalities Planning Code requirements.

The committee recorded the bill as reported, with the transcript indicating a 25-1 tally. Members said municipalities could still adjust plans if public comment revealed issues.

","House Bill 375 would require applicants to post conspicuous signage on subdivision and land-development parcels — minimum nine square feet, readable at 50 feet, with a four‑inch project title — to improve public notice; the committee reported the bill overwhelmingly.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Committee backs bill letting municipalities repair private water and sewer laterals, adds US‑made materials requirement

Committee advances bill to provide post‑retirement COLAs for municipal police and firefighters; amendment to prepay liability fails

Committee reports bipartisan bills to give second‑class townships hiring flexibility, speed borough vacancy fills

Committee approves allowing recording devices as official records for zoning hearing boards

Committee advances bill requiring larger, readable signs for proposed subdivisions and developments