Pennsylvania House Bill HB1738

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/16/25
• Refer: 7/16/25
• Refer: 1/28/26
• Report Pass: 2/2/26
• Engrossed: 2/2/26
• Refer: 2/13/26

Caption

In corporate power relating to boroughs, further providing for specific powers; in veterans' affairs relating to boroughs, further providing for care and erection of memorials; in corporate powers relating to third class cities, providing for control, maintenance and repair of memorials; in veterans' affairs relating to third class cities, further providing for care of memorials; in grounds and buildings, further providing for monuments, memorials and memorial halls to war veterans and for preservation, maintenance, repair and completion of public monuments; and making an editorial change.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1738 would provide local governments with the explicit power to accept funding for memorial purposes, as well as the ability to care for and maintain these memorials. This could lead to a more considerable number of memorials being established and maintained as local councils will have clearer authority and accountability. The bill envisions a mechanism for counties to appropriate funds towards these efforts, promoting a sense of local pride and remembrance for the services of both military veterans and first responders in their communities.

Summary

House Bill 1738 aims to amend various titles of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the powers of boroughs, third class cities, and counties regarding the care, erection, and maintenance of memorials honoring war veterans and first responders. The bill clarifies the authority of local councils to manage memorials, allowing them to establish, repair, and contribute to these structures. It specifically defines who qualifies as a first responder and extends the scope of memorials to include those honoring police officers, firefighters, and other emergency personnel, thereby recognizing their service alongside armed forces members.

Contention

One potential point of contention surrounding HB 1738 might be the allocation of funds for the maintenance and erection of memorials. Critics could argue about the prioritization of financial resources towards memorials when there are pressing local needs in areas such as education or public health. Additionally, the expanded definition of who is honored through memorials may provoke discussions about who deserves recognition and how these memorials might be funded. This could lead to debates regarding responsibilities between state and local governments as well as the fiscal implications of new appropriations.