Bill > HB1777

This bill modernizes emergency governance procedures for Pennsylvania municipalities by updating laws related to disaster emergencies and local government operations. The legislation makes several key changes, including allowing municipal governing bodies to conduct meetings using telecommunications devices during a disaster emergency, expanding the definition of "disaster emergency" beyond military attacks to include broader emergency situations, and modifying rules for declaring and extending local disaster emergencies. Specifically, the bill permits municipal governing bodies to hold meetings via authorized telecommunications devices (like conference calls or video meetings) without requiring physical presence, provided they give 24-hour advance public notice and attempt to allow public participation. It also standardizes the duration of emergency declarations to 21-day periods that can be renewed by resolution, and removes outdated references to military attacks as the primary type of emergency. The bill further clarifies that local officials can designate emergency interim successors to ensure government continuity during emergencies, and simplifies the process for exercising governmental powers during extraordinary circumstances. These changes are designed to provide local governments with more flexible and practical tools for maintaining operations and making critical decisions during unexpected crisis situations.

Government Affairs, Military Affairs and Security

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1777