House Local Government Committee advances fire-tax increase, autopsy-fee cuts and stormwater fee authority; tax-exempt fund held

Harrisburg — The House Local Government Committee on April 10 voted to send several bills to the House floor, including measures to let some municipalities expand a dedicated fire and emergency-services tax, reduce fees for coroner reports requested by next of kin, and allow municipalities to charge and collect stormwater‑management fees. Lawmakers postponed consideration of a bill to create a tax‑exempt property municipal assistance fund to a later meeting.

The committee reported House Bill 393, which would permit second‑class townships to raise a dedicated fire and emergency‑services millage limit from 3 mills to as much as 10 mills by ordinance. Representative Pielli, who presented the bill, said “a strong and well funded fire and emergency service is the backbone of the health and safety of our communities across the Commonwealth.” He and other supporters said higher limits would give struggling townships a simpler tool to fill funding gaps without waiting for a referendum. Opponents warned that some municipalities can already fund services through general appropriations or by referring the question to voters; Representative Miller said raising the limit to 10 mills “is too high” for his district and signaled he would oppose the measure.

Committee members voted 14–12 to advance HB393 to the House floor.

The committee also approved House Bill 937, a bill that would allow coroners to charge reduced fees for autopsy and related reports when requested by the…