Bill > SB764

This bill modifies Pennsylvania municipal law regarding consolidation and merger referendums by making several key changes. First, it eliminates the five-year waiting period for a subsequent referendum if the new question differs from a previous unsuccessful referendum or if a court orders a new vote. The bill also introduces a new mechanism allowing municipal governing bodies to petition a court to suspend a consolidation or merger process if they can provide substantial evidence of fraud, error, or material financial loss that was not previously disclosed. If the court finds sufficient evidence, it can order a new referendum, which will suspend the adoption or implementation of the original consolidation or merger agreement until voters approve the new referendum. The changes apply to referendums held on or after November 1, 2021, and the bill will take effect 60 days after passage. These modifications are designed to provide municipalities with more flexibility and safeguards in the process of consolidating or merging local governments, allowing for additional review and potential recourse if significant issues are discovered after an initial referendum.

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=764