Bill > HB562

This bill amends an existing 1883 law that governs how the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania cedes jurisdiction to the United States for federal land acquisitions. Specifically, the bill makes a small but important modification by explicitly adding "juvenile process" to the types of legal proceedings that Pennsylvania can execute on federally-owned lands. This means that Pennsylvania courts will retain the ability to handle juvenile legal cases on federal properties, in addition to the existing provisions for civil and certain criminal processes. The amendment maintains the original law's conditions that the jurisdiction is limited to lands up to ten acres in any township, ward, city, or borough, and that the United States can only retain this jurisdictional arrangement as long as the land is used for its original government purposes. The bill also preserves Pennsylvania's right to levy and collect taxes on these properties. The change ensures clear legal continuity for handling juvenile legal matters on federal lands within the state, and the bill takes effect immediately upon passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=562