Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB764

Introduced
5/22/25  
Refer
5/22/25  
Refer
6/11/25  
Report Pass
6/23/25  
Engrossed
6/23/25  

Caption

In alteration of territory or corporate entity and dissolution, further providing for conduct of referenda and for court review of transitional plan.

Impact

The bill's adjustments to the referendum process and court review mechanisms provide a more flexible approach for municipalities considering consolidation. The inclusion of provisions for residents to petition the court for new referenda emphasizes community involvement in governmental decisions. The ability for a court to order new referenda, especially in cases involving potential fraud or errors related to earlier votes, introduces a layer of accountability, signaling a significant change in how local governments may respond to the consolidation desires of their constituents.

Summary

Senate Bill 764 aims to amend Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the alteration of territory or corporate entities and the dissolution of municipalities. Specifically, the bill revises provisions related to the conduct of referenda regarding the consolidation or merger of municipalities. It allows subsequent referenda to be held under certain conditions without the five-year moratorium that previously would have applied if a similar question had been previously disapproved. This change is particularly relevant for contiguous municipalities seeking to consolidate or merge in response to local governance needs.

Contention

While proponents view the bill as a means to enhance local government effectiveness and adaptability, there could be significant contention from those who believe the ease of consolidation might undermine local autonomy. Concerns have been raised that rushed or poorly thought-out consolidations could dilute community identity and complicate governance structures. Critics may also argue that extending the conditions under which referenda can be repeated could lead to confusion among voters and could be used strategically to sway outcomes. Thus, the legislation raises essential considerations about balancing efficiency in local governance with respect for individual community identities.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 SB574

In corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for additional powers of certain public utility corporations.

PA SB632

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

PA HB1211

Providing for the voluntary dissolution of the existing form of governance of a municipal corporation located in a county of the second class and the creation of unincorporated districts of counties of the second class; authorizing the county to assume responsibility for the governance of the municipal corporation and delivery of public services to the citizens residing in the municipal corporation through the administration of an unincorporated district; authorizing unincorporated district advisory committees; and making a repeal.

PA HB1377

In general provisions regarding condominiums, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; in creation, alteration and termination of condominiums, further providing for creation of condominium; in general provisions regarding cooperatives, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; in creation, alteration and termination of cooperatives, further providing for creation of cooperative ownership; in general provisions regarding planned communities, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; and, in creation, alteration and termination of planned communities, further providing for creation of planned community.

PA SB920

In general provisions regarding condominiums, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; in creation, alteration and termination of condominiums, further providing for creation of condominium; in general provisions regarding cooperatives, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; in creation, alteration and termination of cooperatives, further providing for creation of cooperative ownership; in general provisions regarding planned communities, further providing for applicability of local ordinances, regulations and building codes; and, in creation, alteration and termination of planned communities, further providing for creation of planned community.

PA HB2250

In grounds and buildings, further providing for referendum or public hearing required prior to construction or lease.

PA SB475

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

PA SB639

In corporate powers, duties and safeguards, further providing for additional powers of certain public utility corporations.

PA HB135

In workers' cooperative corporations, further providing for corporations, for articles of incorporation and for directors and officers.

Similar Bills

MN SF3163

Board of a consolidated school district renewal of an expiring referendum established pursuant to the consolidation authorization; requirements for school board renewal of an expiring referendum clarification

MN HF2944

Board of a consolidated school district authorized to renew an expiring referendum established pursuant to the consolidation, and requirements for school board renewal of an expiring referendum clarified.

AL HB178

Public K-12 education; process for the consolidation of city school systems provided

IN HB1461

Road funding.

AL HB380

Public K-12 education; process for the consolidation of county boards of education provided, procedure for protesting a proposed consolidation provided, adoption of rules and impact study by State Board of Education required, constitutional amendment

IL SB2504

TWP CD-CONSOLIDATION & MERGER

RI S2706

IN AMENDMENT OF PASSED AT THE JANUARY SESSION A.D. 1942 ENTITLED "INCORPORATE THE WESTERN COVENTRY FIRE DISTRICT"

RI S1010

IN AMENDMENT OF PASSED AT THE JANUARY SESSION A.D. 1942 ENTITLED "INCORPORATE THE WESTERN COVENTRY FIRE DISTRICT"