Bill > HR136

This Resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission, a state legislative research agency, to conduct a comprehensive study and establish an advisory committee to examine the financial impact on Pennsylvania taxpayers of the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) providing full or partial police services to municipalities that do not have their own local police departments. The advisory committee will include representatives from the Departments of Revenue and Transportation, the PSP, and various municipal and police advocacy groups, along with other individuals selected by the Commission. The study will investigate the costs associated with PSP coverage in these municipalities, how these costs affect the overall tax burden, the impact on municipalities that do maintain local police, the sustainability of PSP services given increasing reliance, and potential fee structures to cover these costs, including a per capita fee for full coverage and a partial fee for part-time coverage. It will also analyze the revenue and policy implications of such fees, the number of residents relying on PSP services, and compare property tax rates in municipalities with and without local police coverage, with the Commission required to report its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives within one year.