House committee approves bill allowing privately funded 250th‑anniversary bell on Capitol grounds

HARRISBURG — The House Tourism, Recreation and Economic Development Committee voted unanimously to report House Bill 999, which authorizes the Commonwealth to accept and place a privately funded semiquincentennial bell on Capitol property.

The bill, explained by committee staff as "House Bill 999, printer's number 1194," would authorize the Commonwealth to place a bell to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States and assign maintenance responsibilities to the Department of General Services (DGS). "House bill 999 authorizes the Commonwealth place a privately funded semi quincentennial bell on capital property to commemorate the 200 and fiftieth anniversary of the birth of the United States," the committee clerk said during the meeting.

Supporters said the bell is a privately funded commemorative installation tied to the America250 effort and would create a lasting site for visitors. "The bell will commemorate the 250 anniversary, and it's as we said, it's privately funded," Rep. Gaydos said. She described the installation as part of statewide America250 activities and said DGS would maintain the bell if the bill is approved.

Committee members pressed for drafting clarifications about where the bell could be placed and for how long the location would be fixed. Rep. Bridal expressed concern that the bill as written uses a mandatory location clause and suggested either adding a sunset or giving DGS more flexibility. "I feel like we should be giving General Services ... some flexibility," Bridal said, adding later, "when I read location of monument and it has a shall, you're gonna end up with some nominal potential arguable authority." Committee staff and the bill sponsor said DGS would cooperate on construction and placement and would exercise ongoing stewardship similar to other Capitol properties.

Officials also clarified that the commemorative installation before the committee would be a bronze, ringing bell, distinct from other fiberglass commemorative pieces installed in some counties. Jenny Stratton said, "This bell is going to be a bronze bell, and it will be the only one that will actually ring. The other bells are more of a fiberglass commissioned piece." She listed several existing locations for commemorative bells including Wayne County, Susquehanna County, Dennis Farm and others.

The committee called the roll and, after no negative votes were offered, the bill was reported as committed. The committee made no formal amendments during the hearing; sponsors and staff said they would consider drafting clarifications about placement language before subsequent steps.

The bill now moves to the full House for further consideration.