Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB973

Introduced
3/19/25  

Caption

In general provisions relating to area government and intergovernmental cooperation, providing for Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program and establishing the Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program Fund.

Impact

The passage of HB 973 is expected to significantly impact state laws governing police operations. By facilitating grant funding, the bill promotes voluntary consolidation of municipal police departments, potentially streamlining law enforcement services and improving efficiency. Furthermore, it legitimizes and incentivizes the accreditation of police departments, aligning them with established professional standards and practices. This could foster public trust and enhance community relations with law enforcement agencies.

Summary

House Bill 973 aims to establish a Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. This bill focuses on enhancing the capabilities of municipal police departments through financial support for consolidation efforts, accreditation attainment, training, and community outreach projects. The program's goal is to improve intergovernmental cooperation and the overall effectiveness of police services across municipalities in Pennsylvania.

Contention

While supporters of HB 973 argue that the grant program will improve police services and foster collaboration among municipalities, critics may express concerns regarding how such consolidations could affect local governance and community policing dynamics. Questions may arise about the adequacy and distribution of funds, ensuring that smaller municipalities do not feel marginalized in the grant application process. The program aims to address these issues by promoting geographic diversity in grant awards, but potential disparities in funding allocations remain contentious topics.

Provisions

Key provisions of the bill include the establishment of the Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program Fund, which will allocate funds for eligible activities such as technology enhancements, shared equipment for consolidating departments, and community-oriented policing strategies. Grants awarded under this program will have specific caps, encouraging judicious use of resources while ensuring support is available for training and accreditation initiatives meant to uplift the operational standards of municipal police forces.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2134

In general provisions relating to emergency management services, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for State Fire Commissioner; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for scope of chapter, for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for establishment, for publication and notice, for award of grants and for consolidation incentive, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, further providing for Fire Company Grant Program and for Emergency Medical Services Company Grant Program, repealing provisions relating to additional funding and to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, providing for hazardous materials and specialty funding, further providing for allocation of appropriated funds, repealing provisions relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, providing for Hazardous Materials Team and Specialty Team Grant Program, further providing for expiration of authority, repealing provisions relating to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for special provisions and for annual reports; and making transfers.

PA HB1621

Relating to a matching grant program for technological enhancements at hospitals providing mental health care services.

PA SB1261

In Commonwealth services, further providing for assistance to fire companies and EMS companies; and, in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions, for publication and notice, for award of grants, for consolidation incentive, for publication and notice and for award of grants, repealing provisions relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program, to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program, to expiration of authority relating to COVID-19 Crisis Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program and to expiration of authority relating to Emergency Medical Services COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program and further providing for annual reports.

PA HB1560

Establishing the Municipal Grant Assistance Program and the Municipal Grant Assistance Program Fund; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

PA S2054

Permits board of county commissioners to establish "Sharing Resources" grant and loan program to encourage shared services and municipal consolidation.

PA A3686

Permits board of county commissioners to establish "Sharing Resources" grant and loan program to encourage shared services and municipal consolidation.

PA HB06960

An Act Establishing A Public Infrastructure Grant Program For Certain Municipalities.

PA HB2361

In alteration of territory or corporate entity and dissolution, further providing for definitions, for procedure for consolidation or merger, for joint agreement of governing bodies, for initiative of electors seeking consolidation or merger with new home rule charter and for conduct of referenda, repealing provisions relating to consolidation or merger agreement, providing for advisory committee, consolidation or merger agreement and mediation, further providing for effectuation of consolidation or merger, for procedures and for court review of transitional plan and providing for extension of deadlines and for grant qualification.

PA SB742

In registration of vehicles, providing for vendor-designed registration plates; and establishing the Pennsylvania State Police Traffic Safety Enhancement Restricted Account.

PA SB00022

An Act Concerning Funding For The Youth Service Bureaus Enhancement Grant Program.

Similar Bills

LA HB911

Provides for the complete reform and modernization of the judicial components of Orleans Parish (EG SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)

PA HB2361

In alteration of territory or corporate entity and dissolution, further providing for definitions, for procedure for consolidation or merger, for joint agreement of governing bodies, for initiative of electors seeking consolidation or merger with new home rule charter and for conduct of referenda, repealing provisions relating to consolidation or merger agreement, providing for advisory committee, consolidation or merger agreement and mediation, further providing for effectuation of consolidation or merger, for procedures and for court review of transitional plan and providing for extension of deadlines and for grant qualification.

NJ S1504

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

NJ A2133

Establishes process for merger or consolidation of public institution of higher education with other institutions of higher education or certain proprietary institutions; requires executive and legislative approval of merger or consolidation.

AZ SB1536

street lighting improvement districts; consolidation

MO SB813

Modifies provisions relating to ambulance districts

MS SB2486

School and district consolidation; create plan with help of Standing Commission on School District Efficiency.

CA AB1267

An act to add Chapter 7.