reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1386 - Effect of approval of schedule

§ 1386. Effect of approval of schedule.
(a) Disposition generally.--
Whenever a schedule is approved by the committee, a copy shall be filed with the commission which shall, through appropriate means, notify the entities that the schedule has been approved. Upon such notification, the schedule becomes effective and may be acted upon by them until superseded by a subsequent duly approved schedule. Each entity shall declare its intent to follow the schedule by ordinance or resolution. Each individual act of disposition shall be approved by resolution of the governing body.
(b) Disposition of permanent retention records.--
Original records scheduled for permanent retention may be disposed of if, in addition to the procedures listed in this section, the entity generates and maintains a copy of the original in conformance with section 1388 (relating to recording and copying records) and receives written permission from the commission to dispose of the records. Written permission from the commission is required only for disposition actions involving records scheduled for permanent retention, records not listed on the schedules and records selected for transfer to the State Archives.
(Feb. 18, 1998, P.L.175, No.27, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1387 - Nonliability of official

§ 1387. Nonliability of official.
An official shall not be held liable on his official bond for damages for loss or in any other manner, civil or criminal, because of the disposition of public records pursuant to the provisions of this subchapter.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1388 - Recording and copying records

§ 1388. Recording and copying records.
(a) Authorized methods.--
Records may be recorded or copied in conformance with section 1 of the act of May 9, 1949 (P.L.908, No.250), entitled "An act relating to public records of political subdivisions other than cities and counties of the first class; authorizing the recording and copying of documents, plats, papers and instruments of writing by photostatic, photographic, microfilm or other mechanical process, and the admissibility thereof and enlargements thereof in evidence; providing for the storage of duplicates and sale of microfilm copies of official records and for the destruction of other records deemed valueless; and providing for the services of the Department of Property and Supplies to political subdivisions," and applicable policies, standards and procedures adopted by the committee.
(b) Evidence of records.--
Upon disposition of any public records under this subchapter, the copy shall be receivable in evidence in any court or proceeding and shall have the same force and effect as though the original public record had been produced and proved.
(Feb. 18, 1998, P.L.175, No.27, eff. 60 days)
References in Text.
The title of the act of May 9, 1949 (P.L.908, No.250), referred to in subsec. (a), was amended by the act of February 18, 1998 (P.L.178, No.28), and the act of December 9, 2002 (P.L.1565, No.205).
Cross References.
Section 1388 is referred to in section 1386 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1389 - Applicability of other statutes

§ 1389. Applicability of other statutes.
This subchapter is intended as a supplement to existing statutes. The existing statutes which provide for destruction may be utilized by officials in lieu of compliance with this subchapter. Nothing in this subchapter shall prevent officials from retaining records longer than the periods which may be provided in schedules approved by the committee.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1391 - Acceptance of gifts or donations (Unconstitutional)

§ 1391. Acceptance of gifts or donations (Unconstitutional).
2013 Effectuation of Declaration of Unconstitutionality.
The Legislative Reference Bureau effectuated the 2004 unconstitutionality.
2004 Unconstitutionality.
Act 230 of 2002 was declared unconstitutional. City of Philadelphia v. Commonwealth, 838 A.2d 566 (Pa. 2003).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 13 - General Provisions › Section 1392 - Prohibition of fees for police services

§ 1392. Prohibition of fees for police services.
(a) Prohibition.--
A municipality shall not charge a fee for or seek reimbursement of costs or expenses incurred as a result of municipal police responding to a motor vehicle accident, including, but not limited to, costs incurred for labor, materials, supplies or equipment used or provided in the response.
(b) Limitation.--
Subsection (a) shall not be construed to authorize the imposition of any fee other than those fees or charges for furnishing copies of reports under 75 Pa.C.S. § 3751 (relating to reports by police) in the form prescribed by the Department of Transportation and for recovery of the actual costs in furnishing copies of any additional information separate from that provided in 75 Pa.C.S. § 3751 and any other fees or charges authorized in State law.
(c) Definitions.--
As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection:
"Municipal police." A public agency of a municipality having general police powers and charged with making arrests in connection with the enforcement of the criminal or traffic laws. The term shall include any regional police department from which the municipality receives police services or any police department which provides the municipality with police services pursuant to agreement or contract.
"Municipality." A county, city, borough, incorporated town, township or home rule municipality.
(Dec. 18, 2007, P.L.461, No.69, eff. 60 days)
2007 Amendment.
Act 69 added section 1392.
Cross References.
Section 1392 is referred to in section 1202 of Title 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 21 was added December 19, 1996, P.L.1158, No.177, effective in 60 days.
Cross References.
Subchapter D is referred to in section 1115 of Title 3 (Agriculture); section 13718
            of Title 11 (Cities); sections 5702, 5749 of Title 18 (Crimes and Offenses); section
            3711 of Title 22 (Detectives and Private Police); section 6202 of Title 27 (Environmental
            Resources); section 67A01 of Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure); section
            7202 of Title 44 (Law and Justice); section 711 of Title 51 (Military Affairs); sections
            6302, 6304 of Title 61 (Prisons and Parole); section 6501 of Title 74 (Transportation).
Enactment.
Subchapter E was added November 24, 1999, P.L.539, No.49, effective immediately.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2161 - Establishment of program and scope of subchapter

§ 2161. Establishment of program and scope of subchapter.
(a) Municipal police officers' education and training program.--
The commission shall establish a municipal police officers' education and training program in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter. The administration of this program shall be the responsibility of the Pennsylvania State Police.
(b) Scope of subchapter.--
This subchapter applies to all municipalities.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2163 - Commission members

§ 2163. Commission members.
(a) Selection.--
The commission shall be composed of 20 members as follows:
(1) The following members shall serve by virtue of their office:
(i) The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police who shall serve as chairman of the commission.
(ii) The Secretary of Community and Economic Development.
(iii) The Attorney General.
(iv) The police commissioner of a city of the first class or his designee.
(2) The following members shall be appointed by the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives:
(i) A member of the Senate.
(ii) A member of the House of Representatives.
(3) The following members shall be appointed by the Governor:
(i) A borough official, a first class township official, a second class township official and a city official.
(ii) Four incumbent chiefs of police from the various municipalities of this Commonwealth, at least one to be a chief of a borough police department, at least one to be a chief of a township police department and at least one to be a chief of a city police department.
(iii) One member of the Pennsylvania Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.
(iv) One educator qualified in the field of law enforcement.
(v) One member representing the public at large.
(vi) Two noncommissioned police officers.
(vii) A director of one of the certified training schools.
(b) Terms of office.--
All members of the commission appointed by the Governor shall serve for a period of three years. Any member of the commission, immediately upon termination of holding the position by virtue of which the member was eligible for membership or appointed as a member of the commission, shall cease to be a member of the commission.
(c) Vacancies.--
A member appointed to fill a vacancy not created by the expiration of a term shall be appointed for the unexpired term of the member whom he is to succeed in the same manner as the original appointment.
(d) Compensation and expenses.--
The members of the commission shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed the necessary and actual expenses incurred in attending the meetings of the commission and in the performance of their duties under this subchapter.
(e) Removal from office.--
Members of the commission may be removed by the Governor for cause after written notice from the Governor.
(f) Affiliation.--
The designated public member may not at any time have been a police officer or have been affiliated with a police department or training school.
(May 5, 1998, P.L.301, No.50, eff. 60 days; Oct. 24, 2018, P.L.796, No.129, eff. 60 days)
2018 Amendment.
Act 129 amended subsec. (a).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2165 - Meetings and quorum of commission

§ 2165. Meetings and quorum of commission.
The commission shall meet at least four times each year. Special meetings may be called by the chairman of the commission or upon written request of five members. A quorum shall consist of 11 members.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2166.1 - Prohibition on political activity (Repealed)

§ 2166.1. Prohibition on political activity (Repealed).
2003 Repeal.
Section 2166.1 was repealed December 30, 2003, P.L.450, No.65, effective immediately.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2167 - Police training

§ 2167. Police training.
(a) General rule.--
All municipalities of this Commonwealth or groups of municipalities acting in concert and all colleges and universities shall be required to train all members of their police departments pursuant to this subchapter prior to their enforcing criminal laws, enforcing moving traffic violations under Title 75 (relating to vehicles) or being authorized to carry a firearm.
(b) Ineligibility for compensation.--
Any person hired as a police officer shall be ineligible to receive any salary, compensation or other consideration for the performance of duties as a police officer unless the person has met all of the requirements as established by the commission and has been duly certified as having met those requirements by the commission.
(c) Penalty.--
Any person who orders, authorizes or pays as salary to a person in violation of the provisions of this subchapter commits a summary offense and shall, upon conviction, be sentenced to pay a fine of $100 or be imprisoned for a term not to exceed a period of 30 days. The commission may stop payment of all funds paid or payable to municipalities under this subchapter for any violation of this subchapter. It shall notify the State Treasurer to discontinue disbursement of any State funds until a municipality is in compliance with this subchapter.
(d) Mandatory waiver request.--
If a police officer is unable to attend in-service training due to service in the military or National Guard or as a result of injury sustained in service as a police officer, the officer's employer shall request a waiver under section 2164(6) (relating to powers and duties of commission). A police officer whose employer fails to request a waiver as required under this subsection shall not be decertified unless, upon return to service, the officer fails to participate in such in-service training as the commission deems appropriate in accordance with this chapter and 51 Pa.C.S. Ch. 75 (relating to professional and occupational licenses).
(Dec. 30, 2003, P.L.450, No.65, eff. 60 days; Oct. 9, 2008, P.L.1385, No.105, eff. 60 days)
2008 Amendment.
Act 105 added subsec. (d).
2003 Amendment.
Act 65 amended subsecs. (b) and (c). See section 4 of Act 65 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to applicability.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2171 - Payment of certain county costs

§ 2171. Payment of certain county costs.
(a) Second class counties.--
Counties of the second class shall be liable for costs incurred for the certification of deputy sheriffs. The costs shall not exceed the sum per police officer assessed against municipalities.
(b) Counties generally.--
Counties shall be liable for the costs incurred for any training required for the certification of county park police officers.
(Mar. 14, 2014, P.L.38, No.18, eff. 90 days)
2014
Amendment.
See section 1 of Act 18 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to legislative findings and declarations.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2172 - Canine training standards for police officers

§ 2172. Canine training standards for police officers.
(a) Establishment.--
The commission, in collaboration with the Pennsylvania State Police and municipal police department canine units or officers, shall establish police officer canine training and certification standards, including all of the following:
(1) Standards for initial certifications.
(2) Standards for maintenance certifications.
(3) Record-keeping policies and procedures for police department canine units or officers.
(b) Updates.--
The commission shall review and update the standards under subsection (a) as the commission deems necessary and at least every two years.
(c) Notice.--
The commission shall transmit notice of the standards established and updated under this section to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin.
(July 11, 2022, P.L.719, No.60, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment.
Act 60 added section 2172.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 21 - Employees › Section 2181 - Health insurance ordinances

§ 2181. Health insurance ordinances.
An ordinance adopted by a municipality which requires or the effect of which is to require the provision of health insurance or other employee health care benefits shall not apply to a State-owned or State-related college or university.
Municipal Ordinances.
Section 5 of Act 49 of 1999 provided that any municipal ordinance in effect on the effective date of section 2181 that is inconsistent with section 2181 shall be void as it relates to a State-owned or State-related college or university.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 23 was added December 19, 1996, P.L.1158, No.177, effective in 60 days.
Cross References.
Subchapter A is referred to in sections 305, 5611, 6103, 8002 of this title; sections
            1122, 1201.3, 1202, 1316, 1402, 1903, 2021, 2701, 2708 of Title 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated
            Towns); sections 11804.1, 12419, 12434, 13115, 14204 of Title 11 (Cities); section
            7334 of Title 35 (Health and Safety); sections 8501, 8955 of Title 42 (Judiciary and
            Judicial Procedure); section 2107 of Title 68 (Real and Personal Property).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2302 - Definitions

§ 2302. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Local government."
A county, city of the second class, second class A and third class, borough, incorporated town, township, school district or any other similar general purpose unit of government created by the General Assembly after July 12, 1972.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2303 - Intergovernmental cooperation authorized

§ 2303. Intergovernmental cooperation authorized.
(a) General rule.--
Two or more local governments in this Commonwealth may jointly cooperate, or any local government may jointly cooperate with any similar entities located in any other state, in the exercise or in the performance of their respective governmental functions, powers or responsibilities.
(b) Joint agreements.--
For the purpose of carrying the provisions of this subchapter into effect, the local governments or other entities so cooperating shall enter into any joint agreements as may be deemed appropriate for those purposes.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2304 - Intergovernmental cooperation

§ 2304. Intergovernmental cooperation.
A municipality by act of its governing body may, or upon being required by initiative and referendum in the area affected shall, cooperate or agree in the exercise of any function, power or responsibility with or delegate or transfer any function, power or responsibility to one or more other local governments, the Federal Government or any other state or its government.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2305 - Adoption of ordinance or resolution

§ 2305. Adoption of ordinance or resolution.
(a) Ordinance or resolution.--
A local government may enter into intergovernmental cooperation with or delegate any functions, powers or responsibilities to another governmental unit, local government or authority as defined in section 5602 (relating to definitions) upon the passage of an ordinance or resolution by its governing body. If mandated by initiative and referendum in the area affected, the local government shall adopt such an ordinance or resolution.
(b) Compliance by authorities.--
An authority as defined in section 5602 may not share or be delegated any function, power or responsibility through an agreement under this subchapter unless the function, power or responsibility is authorized by both the law under which the authority was created and the powers or purposes of the authority contained within its articles of incorporation.
(c) Council of governing bodies.--
An intergovernmental agreement creating a council or consortium of governing bodies or similar entity separate from the organizing governing bodies may not be entered into unless by ordinance. A municipality may join an existing intergovernmental cooperation agreement of other municipalities whereby such an entity was created by resolution or by ordinance.
(Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.613, No.80, eff. 60 days)
2022 Editorial Change.
The Legislative Reference Bureau made an editorial change by removing the comma after "created" in subsec. (c).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2306 - Initiative and referendum

§ 2306. Initiative and referendum.
(a) Initiative.--
An initiative under this subchapter shall be commenced by filing with the appropriate election officials at least 90 days prior to the next primary or general election a petition containing a proposal for referendum signed by electors comprising 5% of the number of electors voting for the office of Governor in the last gubernatorial election in each local government or area affected. The applicable election officials shall place the proposal on the ballot in a manner fairly representing the content of the petition for decision by referendum at the election. Initiative on a similar question shall not be submitted more often than once in five years.
(b) Referendum.--
The question shall be placed on the ballot as a referendum and shall become effective by a majority vote of the electors voting thereon.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2307 - Content of ordinance or resolution

§ 2307. Content of ordinance or resolution.
The ordinance or resolution adopted by the governing body of a local government entering into intergovernmental cooperation or delegating or transferring any functions, powers or responsibilities to another local government, an authority as defined in section 5602 (relating to definitions) or to a council of governments, consortium or any other similar entity shall specify:
(1) The conditions of agreement in the case of cooperation with or delegation to other local governments, the Commonwealth, other states or the Federal Government.
(2) The duration of the term of the agreement.
(3) The purpose and objectives of the agreement, including the powers and scope of authority delegated in the agreement.
(4) The manner and extent of financing the agreement.
(5) The organizational structure necessary to implement the agreement.
(6) The manner in which real or personal property shall be acquired, managed, licensed or disposed of.
(7) That the entity created under this section shall be empowered to enter into contracts for policies of group insurance and employee benefits, including Social Security, for its employees.
(Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.613, No.80, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2309 - Direct purchases

§ 2309. Direct purchases.
In addition to joint purchases authorized by section 2308 (relating to bids for certain joint purchases), local governments may make direct purchases from vendors or suppliers of goods, materials or equipment without compliance with existing and otherwise applicable statutory requirements governing competitive bidding and execution of contracts as follows:
(1) Any county may by appropriate resolution, and subject to such reasonable regulations as it may prescribe, permit any local government within the county to participate in or purchase off contracts for goods, materials or equipment entered into by the county.
(2) Any local government desiring to participate in purchase contracts shall file with the county purchasing agency and with the county solicitor a certified copy of an ordinance or resolution of its governing body requesting that it be authorized to participate in purchase contracts of the county and agreeing that it will be bound by the terms and conditions as the county prescribes and that it will be responsible for payment directly to the vendor under each purchase contract.
(3) The county may permit participation by local governments only where the solicitation for bids and specifications for the county contracts, and the contracts themselves, expressly provide for and inform prospective and successful bidders that the contract to be let is intended to be subject to this subchapter and to regulations adopted by the county.
(4) Among the terms and conditions as the county may specify, it shall prescribe that all prices shall be F.O.B. destination.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2310 - Joint purchases with private educational establishments

§ 2310. Joint purchases with private educational establishments.
Any local government may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize joint purchases of materials, supplies and equipment with any private school, parochial school, private college or university or nonprofit human services agency within the local government. The ordinance or resolution shall require that the school, college or agency shall be bound by the terms and conditions of purchasing agreements which the local government prescribes and that the school, college or agency shall be responsible for payment directly to the vendor under each purchase contract. Schools, colleges and agencies shall be exempt from any existing statutory requirements governing competitive bidding and execution of contracts with respect to purchases under this section.
(Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.613, No.80, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2312 - Division of transactions provided

§ 2312. Division of transactions provided.
No local government shall evade the provisions of section 2308 (relating to bids for certain joint purchases) as to advertising for bids or purchasing materials or contracting for services piecemeal for the purpose of obtaining prices under a base amount of $18,500, subject to adjustment under section 2308(b), upon transactions which should in the exercise of reasonable discretion and prudence be conducted as one transaction amounting to more than a base amount of $18,500, subject to adjustment under section 2308(b). This provision is intended to make unlawful the practice of evading advertising requirements by making a series of purchases or contracts each for less than the advertising requirement price or by making several simultaneous purchases or contracts each below such price when in either case the transaction involved should have been made as one transaction for one price.
(Nov. 3, 2011, P.L.367, No.90, eff. imd.)
2011 Amendment.
Section 4 of Act 90 provided that Act 90 shall apply to contracts and purchases advertised on or after January 1 of the year following the effective date of section 4.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2313 - Penalty

§ 2313. Penalty.
Any member of a governing body of a local government who votes to unlawfully evade the provisions of section 2308 (relating to bids for certain joint purchases) and who knows that the transaction upon which he so votes is or ought to be a part of a larger transaction and that it is being divided in order to evade the requirements as to advertising for bids commits a misdemeanor of the third degree for each contract entered into as a direct result of that vote.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2314 - Required review of specified agreements

§ 2314. Required review of specified agreements.
(a) General rule.--
An agreement between a local government and the Federal Government, the Commonwealth, any other state or government of another state under the provisions of this subchapter shall, prior to and as a condition precedent to enactment of an ordinance or resolution, be submitted to the Local Government Commission for review and recommendation. An agreement exclusively between a local government and an authority as defined in section 5602 (relating to definitions) shall not be subject to the requirements under this section.
(b) Commission review.--
(1) The commission shall, within 90 days of receipt of the agreement, provide to the local government or other party submitting the agreement an advisory written response of its review of, and any recommended changes to, the agreement with regard to form and compatibility with the laws of this Commonwealth.
(2) If an agreement has been submitted to the commission for review as required by this subsection, the failure of the commission to provide an advisory written response within 90 days of receipt of the agreement shall not bar or impede the effectiveness or implementation of the agreement.
(c) Exceptions.--
This section shall not apply to the following contracts, agreements or transactions:
(1) Contracts or agreements between a local government and the Commonwealth that are of a routine nature or are performed on a periodic basis, such as those for public improvements or maintenance.
(2) State grants and loans that are administered by the Commonwealth pursuant to statute or regulation.
(3) Contracts or agreements for cooperative purchasing.
(4) Contracts, agreements or memoranda of understanding between the Commonwealth and a local government that are expressly authorized by statute or regulation and by which the Commonwealth delegates all or a portion of its enforcement duties or responsibilities to a local government.
(5) Contracts or agreements between the Commonwealth and a local government that are expressly authorized by statute or regulation and through which the local government provides a service on behalf of the Commonwealth.
(6) Contracts or agreements relating to the purchase, right to capacity, sale, exchange, interchange, wheeling, pooling, transmission or development of electric power and associated energy and related services.
(July 5, 2012, P.L.910, No.92, eff. 60 days; Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.613, No.80, eff. 60 days)
2019 Amendment.
Act 80 amended subsec. (a).
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2315 - Effect of joint cooperation agreements

§ 2315. Effect of joint cooperation agreements.
Any joint cooperation agreement shall be deemed in force as to any local government when the agreement has been adopted by ordinance or resolution by all cooperating local governments. After adoption by all cooperating local governments, the agreement shall be binding upon the local government, and its covenants may be enforced by appropriate remedy by any one or more of the local governments against any other local government which is a party to the agreement.
(Nov. 7, 2019, P.L.613, No.80, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2316 - Recognition by Commonwealth departments and agencies

§ 2316. Recognition by Commonwealth departments and agencies.
All Commonwealth departments and agencies in the performance of their administrative duties shall deem a council of governments, consortiums or other similar entities established by two or more municipalities under this subchapter as a legal entity.
(May 30, 2001, P.L.102, No.13, eff. 60 days)
2001 Amendment.
Act 13 added section 2316.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2317 - Agreements for fire protection services in cities of the second class

§ 2317. Agreements for fire protection services in cities of the second class.
(a) Absorption of certain firefighters.--
Notwithstanding the provisions of the act of May 23, 1907 (P.L.206, No.167), entitled "An act to regulate and improve the civil service of the cities of the second class in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania; making violations of its provisions to be misdemeanors, and providing penalties for violations thereof," and the act of June 27, 1939 (P.L.1207, No.405), entitled, as amended, "An act regulating the appointment, promotion, suspension, reduction, removal, and reinstatement of employes (except chiefs and chief clerks) in bureaus of fire and fire alarm operators and fire box inspectors in bureaus of electricity, in cities of the second class; defining the powers and duties of Civil Service Commissions for such purpose in said cities; and repealing inconsistent legislation," in the case of an original appointment of a full-time firefighter in a borough with a population between 18,000 and 19,500 according to the 2000 census that is located in a county of the second class and is contiguous with a city of the second class, when the full-time firefighter is absorbed by appointment into the classified service in the bureau of fire of a city of a second class under an intergovernmental cooperation agreement for fire protective services, the full-time firefighter shall be:
(1) Subject only to a physical examination of the scope given for promotion.
(2) Subject to a probationary period of six months.
(3) Appointed from outside a certified eligibility list.
(4) Exempted from an eligibility examination.
(5) Exempted from a residency requirement at the time of original appointment. The firefighter shall be required, however, to become a bona fide resident of the city of the second class on or before the first anniversary of the original appointment.
(b) Eligible lists and appointments.--
Under this section only, the civil service commission of the city of the second class shall not be required to generate eligible lists or indicate appointment thereon, and no individual who is on an existing eligibility list for original appointment into the classified service of the bureau of fire of a city of a second class shall have a right to be appointed until the eligible full-time firefighters of the borough are appointed under the intergovernmental cooperation agreement.
(Oct. 27, 2010, P.L.895, No.93, eff. Jan. 1, 2011)
2010 Amendment.
Act 93 added section 2317.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2322 - Establishment of environmental advisory council

§ 2322. Establishment of environmental advisory council.
The governing body of any municipal corporation or group of two or more municipal corporations may by ordinance establish an environmental advisory council to advise other local governmental agencies, including, but not limited to, the planning commission, park and recreation boards and elected officials, on matters dealing with protection, conservation, management, promotion and use of natural resources, including air, land and water resources, located within its or their territorial limits.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2323 - Composition and organization of council

§ 2323. Composition and organization of council.
(a) Composition.--
An environmental advisory council shall be composed of no less than three nor more than seven residents of the municipal corporation establishing the council, who shall be appointed and all vacancies filled by the governing body. Where two or more municipal corporations jointly establish an environmental advisory council, the members shall be appointed in the same manner by each of the respective municipal corporations establishing the council, each constituent municipal corporation to have equal membership on the joint council.
(b) Term of office.--
Council members shall serve for three years except that initial appointments shall be so staggered that the terms of approximately one-third of the membership shall expire each year, the terms of their successors to be of three years each.
(c) Compensation and expenses.--
Members shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for the expenses actually and necessarily incurred by them in the performance of their duties.
(d) Chairman.--
The appointing authority shall designate the chairman of the council except that in joint councils the chairman shall be elected by the duly selected members. Whenever possible, one member shall also be a member of the municipal planning board.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2324 - Powers and duties of council

§ 2324. Powers and duties of council.
(a) General rule.--
An environmental advisory council shall have the power to:
(1) Identify environmental problems and recommend plans and programs to the appropriate agencies for the promotion and conservation of the natural resources and for the protection and improvement of the quality of the environment within its territorial limits.
(2) Make recommendations as to the possible use of open land areas of the municipal corporations within its territorial limits.
(3) Promote a community environmental program.
(4) Keep an index of all open areas, publicly or privately owned, including flood-prone areas, swamps and other unique natural areas, for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of those areas.
(5) Advise the appropriate local government agencies, including the planning commission and recreation and park board or, if none, the elected governing body or bodies within its territorial limits, in the acquisition of both real and personal property by gift, purchase, grant, bequest, easement, devise or lease, in matters dealing with the purposes of this subchapter.
(b) Limitation.--
An environmental advisory council shall not exercise any powers or perform any duties which by law are conferred or imposed upon a Commonwealth agency.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2326 - Appropriations for expenses of council

§ 2326. Appropriations for expenses of council.
The governing body of any municipal corporation establishing an environmental advisory council may appropriate funds for the expenses incurred by the council. Appropriations may be expended for those administrative, clerical, printing and legal services as may be required and as shall be within the limit of funds appropriated to the council. The whole or any part of any funds so appropriated in any year may be placed in a conservation fund and allowed to accumulate from year to year or may be expended in any year.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2328 - Assistance from State Conservation Commission

§ 2328. Assistance from State Conservation Commission.
The State Conservation Commission shall establish a program of assistance to environmental advisory councils that may include educational services, exchange of information, assignment of technical personnel for natural resources planning assistance and the coordination of State and local conservation activities.
(May 5, 1998, P.L.301, No.50, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2329 - Assistance from Department of Community and Economic Development

§ 2329. Assistance from Department of Community and Economic Development.
The Department of Community and Economic Development shall establish a program of assistance to environmental advisory councils in planning for the management, use and development of open space and recreation areas.
(May 5, 1998, P.L.301, No.50, eff. 60 days)
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2341 - Short title and scope of subchapter

§ 2341. Short title and scope of subchapter.
(a) Short title of subchapter.--
This subchapter shall be known and may be cited as the Regional Planning Law.
(b) Scope of subchapter.--
This subchapter applies to all municipalities, but it shall not operate as a reenactment of any provisions repealed by section 1202 of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2342 - Definitions

§ 2342. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Commission."
A regional planning commission created in accordance with the terms of this subchapter.
"Governing body."
The body or board authorized by law to enact ordinances or adopt resolutions for the municipality.
"Region."
An area comprised of two or more municipalities which have joined in creating a regional planning commission.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2343 - Declaration of policy

§ 2343. Declaration of policy.
For the purpose of promoting health, safety, morals and the general welfare of the regions in this Commonwealth through effective development, the powers set forth in this subchapter for the establishment of regional planning commissions are granted.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2344 - Establishment and organization of regional planning commission

§ 2344. Establishment and organization of regional planning commission.
(a) General rule.--
The governing body of two or more municipalities may, by ordinance or resolution, authorize the establishment or membership in and support of a regional planning commission. The number and qualifications of the members of any commission and their terms and method of appointment or removal shall be determined and agreed upon by the governing bodies. A majority of the members of the commission shall at the time of appointment to the commission and throughout the duration of their service on the commission be locally elected officials. Members of the commission shall serve without salary but may be paid expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The commission shall elect a chairman whose term shall not exceed one year and who shall be eligible for reelection. The commission may create and fill other offices as it may determine.
(b) Rules and records.--
The commission shall adopt rules for the transaction of business and shall keep a record of its resolutions, transactions, findings and determinations, which shall be a public record.
(c) Assistance from municipality.--
Any municipality may, upon the request of the commission, assign or detail to the commission any employees of a municipality to make special surveys or studies requested by the commission.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2345 - Finances, staff and program

§ 2345. Finances, staff and program.
(a) General rule.--
The governing bodies of municipalities may appropriate funds for the purpose of contributing to the operation of the commission. The commission may, with the consent of all the governing bodies, also receive grants from the Federal or State governments or from individuals or foundations and shall have the authority to contract therewith. The commission may appoint such employees and staff as it deems necessary for its work and contract with planners and other consultants for the services it may require. The commission may also perform planning services for any municipality which is not a member thereof and may charge fees for the work. The commission may also prepare and sell maps, reports, bulletins or other material and establish reasonable charges therefor.
(b) Planning assistance.--
The commission may provide planning assistance and do planning work, including surveys, land use studies, urban renewal plans, technical services and other elements of comprehensive planning programs, for any municipalities within the region. For this purpose, the commission may, with the consent of all the governing bodies, accept any funds, personnel or other assistance made available by the Federal or State government or from individuals or foundations, and, for the purposes of receiving and using Federal or State planning grants for provision of urban planning assistance, the commission may enter into contracts regarding the acceptance or use of the funds or assistance.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2347 - Cooperation between commission, municipalities and others

§ 2347. Cooperation between commission, municipalities and others.
The commission shall encourage the cooperation of the municipalities within the region in matters which concern the integrity of the master plan or maps prepared by the commission, and, as an aid toward coordination, all municipalities and public officials shall, upon request, furnish the commission within a reasonable time the available maps, plans, reports and statistical or other information it may require for its work.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 23 - General Provisions › Section 2348 - Interstate participation

§ 2348. Interstate participation.
Whenever a regional planning commission has been or is being established to serve the Pennsylvania portion of an area which, for planning purposes, constitutes a logical region as approved by the State Planning Board and which extends beyond the boundaries of this Commonwealth, the commission may admit to membership municipalities that are part of the same region but located in other states. Municipalities may participate, through membership and financial support, in commissions that have been or are being established in other states when the municipalities are part of the same region served by the out-of-State commission.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 25 - Environmental Improvement Compacts › Extra - Chapter Notes

Enactment.
Chapter 25 was added December 19, 1996, P.L.1158, No.177, effective in 60 days.
Cross References.
Subchapter B is referred to in section 2531 of this title.
Cross References.
Subchapter C is referred to in section 2531 of this title.
Cross References.
Subchapter E is referred to in section 2551 of this title.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 25 - Environmental Improvement Compacts › Section 2501 - Short title and scope of chapter

§ 2501. Short title and scope of chapter.
(a) Short title of chapter.--
This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Environmental Improvement Compact Act.
(b) Scope of chapter.--
This chapter applies to all municipalities.
2023 Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes › Title 53 - MUNICIPALITIES GENERALLY › Chapter 25 - Environmental Improvement Compacts › Section 2502 - Definitions

§ 2502. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Board."
The Environmental Improvement Compact Board elected under this chapter.
"Election officials."
The county boards of election, except in Philadelphia where the term means the city commissioners.
"Electors."
The registered voters of any municipality involved in proceedings relating to the environmental improvement compact.
"Environmental improvement compact."
A structure of government and powers concerning one or more municipal functions involving two or more municipalities in this Commonwealth under procedures provided in this chapter.