Bill > SB737

This bill amends Pennsylvania municipal authority laws to provide a more comprehensive framework for creating and operating public safety authorities, primarily focused on emergency medical services. The bill defines "public safety projects" to explicitly include emergency medical services and allows counties to create public safety authorities, with a strong emphasis on municipal involvement and consent. Counties are encouraged to include municipal representatives in the governance of these authorities, and municipalities can satisfy their emergency service obligations by contracting with such authorities. Importantly, municipalities must opt-in through an ordinance before a public safety authority can provide services or assess rates. The bill also allows municipalities to create a joint public safety authority if their county declines to do so, providing flexibility in establishing these services. Additionally, the legislation permits existing authorities providing public safety services to continue operating and requires the Department of Community and Economic Development to provide guidance and assistance to counties in creating these authorities. The bill also modifies existing law to allow public safety projects that support existing enterprises, thereby removing previous restrictions on creating potentially competing emergency service organizations.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=737