Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1838

Introduced

9/9/25

Refer

9/9/25

Caption

In powers of department and local authorities, further providing for authority to erect traffic-control devices.

Impact

If enacted, HB1838 would establish a clearer framework for funding traffic control measures at state and local intersections. This could lead to improved traffic safety and efficiency in areas where state highways intersect with local roads. The bill simplifies the financial responsibilities of local authorities, which may be particularly beneficial for smaller municipalities with limited budgets by ensuring that the state contributes to the costs of vital traffic control infrastructure.

Summary

House Bill 1838 aims to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, which pertains to the authority of state departments and local authorities regarding traffic control devices. The bill specifically provides guidelines for the responsibility of costs associated with the installation and maintenance of traffic-control signals on state-designated highways. Under the proposed legislation, the department will bear the costs of these installations when they occur at intersections that connect state-designated highways with local authority highways. The costs will be proportionally divided based on the number of state-designated highways involved in the intersection, with local authorities covering the remaining expenses.

Sentiment

While detailed discussions around the bill have not been extensively documented, the sentiment appears to lean toward practical support, particularly from those advocating for improved public safety and traffic management. The bill seems to have general support from those who recognize the need for effective traffic control in urban and rural intersections alike, as it helps mitigate the financial burden on local governments.

Contention

Potential points of contention may arise regarding the specifics of cost allocation, particularly in how the division of expenses is determined. Some local authorities may express concerns about the proportional costs that they would still need to bear, especially if intersections are heavily trafficked on a state level but less so at the local level. Stakeholders may also debate the effectiveness of the new provisions and whether they will indeed result in more prompt installations of necessary traffic signals.

Latest PA HB1838 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1838

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2397

In powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA SB542

In licensing of drivers, further providing for schedule of convictions and points; in rules of the road in general, further providing for speed timing devices; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB951

In registration of vehicles, further providing for person with disability plate and placard; in fees, further providing for exemption of persons, entities and vehicles from fees; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB2040

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in miscellaneous provisions, providing for the offense of careless operation of electric scooters; and, in powers of department and local authorities, further providing for specific powers of department and local authorities.

PA HB1824

In powers of department and local authorities, providing for covered bridge warning signs.

PA HB2230

In traffic-control devices, further providing for obedience to traffic-control devices.

PA SB737

In municipal authorities, further providing for definitions, providing for public safety authorities and further providing for purposes and powers.

PA HB235

In municipal authorities, further providing for purposes and powers.

PA HB918

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in general provisions relating to operation of vehicles, further providing for traffic-control signals and for pedestrian-control signals; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for right-of-way of pedestrians in crosswalks; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1308

Providing for storm water management; and, in municipal authorities, further providing for definitions and for purposes and powers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.