Bill > HB393

This bill amends the Second Class Township Code to increase the maximum annual tax rates that townships can levy for specific public safety purposes. For fire-related services, the maximum tax rate is raised from 3 mills to 10 mills, allowing townships to fund fire apparatus purchases, maintenance, fire company appropriations, personnel training, and fire protection contracts. The bill permits townships to allocate up to half of this tax revenue (not exceeding one mill) to pay salaries for fire suppression employees, with the option to waive this limitation by resolution. Similarly, for ambulance and emergency services, the maximum tax rate is increased from 0.5 mills to 5 mills, with a comparable provision allowing up to half the revenue to be used for employee compensation. In both cases, if a township wants to set a tax rate higher than the specified limits, the proposed rate must be submitted to voters for approval. The bill also adds a reference to "The Fiscal Code" to define eligible townships, and will take effect 60 days after enactment.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=393