House Bill 162 would let third‑class cities levy one‑half‑mill emergency‑services tax

At a meeting of the House Local Government Committee, members advanced House Bill 162, sponsored by Representative Majors, which would amend Title 11 to authorize third‑class cities to levy an annual property tax not to exceed one‑half mill to support ambulance, rescue and other emergency services.

The bill’s sponsor told the committee that many municipalities and emergency‑medical services are facing funding shortfalls. "There are thousands of municipalities and EMS entities across the Commonwealth facing a funding crisis to provide critical emergency services to millions of Commonwealth residents," Representative Majors said, urging support for the measure.

Under the bill, a city council could use up to one‑half of the revenue raised by the tax for salaries, benefits or other compensation for emergency‑service employees. Chairman Freeman offered Amendment A0040 to permit a city council, by resolution, to waive that limitation so that more than one‑half of the revenue could be used for compensation in any calendar year. Committee staff described the amendment as conforming the third‑class city code to language previously added to the borough code and first‑ and second‑class township codes.

The committee adopted Amendment A0040 by voice vote, with Representative Wendy Fink recorded as the lone negative vote on the amendment. The committee then advanced the bill by voice vote; Representative Fink was recorded as the only no vote on the final action.

The bill would take effect in 60 days if enacted. Committee members said the measure would give third‑class cities the same taxing authority currently available to boroughs and townships; the legislation itself would not impose the tax but would authorize local officials to do so if they chose.

Action details

- Motion to bring the bill forward: moved by Chairman Miller, seconded by Representative Probst. - Amendment A0040 (Chairman Freeman): mover Representative Probst; seconder Representative Borowski; adopted (voice vote; Representative Wendy Fink recorded as opposed). - Final committee action: bill advanced by voice vote; Representative Wendy Fink recorded as opposed.

What it would change

- Authorizes third‑class cities to levy an annual property tax up to one‑half mill dedicated to ambulance, rescue and other emergency services. - Allows city councils, by resolution under Amendment A0040, to waive the limit on the portion of revenue that may be used for personnel compensation in a calendar year. - Effective 60 days after enactment.

Next steps

The committee advanced the bill to the next stage of consideration. No floor schedule was announced during the meeting.