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Bill > HB977


PA HB977

PA HB977
In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning hearing bo ard and other administrative proceedings, further providing for hearings.


summary

Introduced
03/19/2025
In Committee
03/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), entitled "An act to empower cities of the second class A, and third class, boroughs, incorporated towns, townships of the first and second classes including those within a county of the second class and counties of the second through eighth classes, individually or jointly, to plan their development and to govern the same by zoning, subdivision and land development ordinances, planned residential development and other ordinances, by official maps, by the reservation of certain land for future public purpose and by the acquisition of such land; to promote the conservation of energy through the use of planning practices and to promote the effective utilization of renewable energy sources; providing for the establishment of planning commissions, planning departments, planning committees and zoning hearing boards, authorizing them to charge fees, make inspections and hold public hearings; providing for mediation; providing for transferable development rights; providing for appropriations, appeals to courts and penalties for violations; and repealing acts and parts of acts," IN GENERAL PROVISIONS, FURTHER PROVIDING FOR <-- DEFINITIONS; AND, in zoning hearing board and other administrative proceedings, further providing for hearings.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code by updating two key sections: definitions and hearing procedures. First, it adds a definition for "recording device" to include any photographic, video, or audio equipment currently existing or to be developed in the future that can capture images, audio, video, or combinations thereof. Second, the bill modifies zoning hearing board procedures regarding record-keeping during hearings, requiring boards to maintain either a stenographic record or an audio recording of sufficient quality to enable accurate transcription if needed for an appeal. The bill also clarifies cost-sharing arrangements for recording and transcription, specifying that the appearance fee for a stenographer or recording costs will be shared equally between the applicant and the board, with specific provisions for who pays for original transcripts and additional copies depending on the circumstances. The legislation will take effect 60 days after its enactment, and it aims to provide more clarity and flexibility in how municipal planning hearings are documented and recorded.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Laid on the table (on 05/07/2025)

bill text


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