Committee reports package of Local Government Commission bills unanimously
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Summary
The committee unanimously reported several commission bills — SB862 (borough vacancy-board changes), SB971 and SB975 (audit filing/publication deadline shifts), and SB1036 (consolidation of first‑class township code) — sending them to the House floor or governor as appropriate.
The House Local Government Committee unanimously approved a package of Local Government Commission bills and reported them for further action.
Senate Bill 862 (sponsored by Senator Patty Kim) would amend section 901 of the borough code to adjust vacancy-board procedures and petition rights; the senator submitted written remarks and the committee passed the bill by voice vote.
Senate Bills 971 and 975 would change the statutory deadlines for completion, filing and publication of municipal audits and annual financial reports. Staff said the bills move the audit completion date from 90 days after the fiscal year close to the June after the fiscal year and move the publication deadline from April 15 to July 15, a change described as providing relief to auditors and municipal officials who currently face competing tax‑season deadlines. Both bills were reported unanimously.
Senate Bill 1036 consolidates the first‑class township code into the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, harmonizes certain vacancy and per‑meeting compensation rules, aligns audit/reporting schedules with the other municipal codes and clarifies sidewalk maintenance and advertisement requirements; the committee approved it by voice vote.
Committee members noted prior committee handling and association support for various bills; staff explained the bills are intended to streamline codes and relieve scheduling pressures for local auditors.