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HR 527

A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the operating revenues, expenditures and balance sheet for service years 2023 and 2024 of all municipal authorities and municipalities which operate municipal separate storm sewer system facilities in this Commonwealth.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 6 co-sponsors

The bill directs the LBFC to conduct a comprehensive audit of the 2023–2024 operating revenues, expenditures, and balance sheets for all Pennsylvania MS4-operating authorities and

Referred to Local Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 527

Overview

  • Bill: HR 527
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Type: House Resolution

  • Short Title: A Resolution directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a comprehensive study of the operating revenues, expenditures and balance sheet for service years 2023 and 2024 of all municipal authorities and municipalities which operate Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) facilities in Pennsylvania.

  • Latest Action: Referred to Local Government (May 14, 2026)

  • Primary Sponsors: Rep. Jill Cooper (with several co-sponsors)

Purpose and Intent

  • Directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) to perform a comprehensive audit/study of the financial health and operations of all municipal authorities and municipalities that operate MS4 facilities in Pennsylvania.
  • Specifically focuses on operating revenues, expenditures, and the balance sheet for the 2023 and 2024 service years.
  • Aims to provide a detailed financial snapshot of MS4-related entities to inform lawmakers, stakeholders, and the public about funding structures, cost drivers, and financial sustainability.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Mandate for LBFC Study:
    • Collect and analyze operating revenues for 2023 and 2024 from all MS4-operating municipal authorities and municipalities.
    • Collect and analyze operating expenditures for the same entities and years.
    • Prepare a balance sheet review for these entities covering 2023 and 2024.
  • Scope:
    • Includes all municipal authorities that operate MS4 facilities.
    • Includes all municipalities with MS4 operations.
  • Output (as typically expected in LBFC-directed studies):
    • A comprehensive report detailing revenues, expenditures, liabilities, assets, and overall financial condition.
    • Identification of cost drivers (e.g., maintenance, capital improvements, compliance costs, staffing).
    • Assessment of rate structures, fee adequacy, and cross-subsidization issues related to MS4 programs.
    • Recommendations for improving financial efficiency, transparency, and sustainability (subject to LBFC’s findings).

Affected Entities

  • Municipal authorities operating MS4 facilities (storm sewer systems).
  • Municipalities that operate MS4 facilities.
  • The study will encompass the operating revenues, expenditures, and balance sheets of these entities for 2023 and 2024.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Initiation:
    • The LBFC is directed to conduct the study as a formal, comprehensive inquiry.
  • Report and Accountability:
    • The bill functions as a directive; the LBFC will produce a formal report with findings and potential recommendations.
  • Status:
    • As of the latest action, the bill has been referred to the House Committee on Local Government (May 14, 2026).
  • Next Steps:
    • The Local Government Committee would typically schedule hearings or request data from MS4 entities.
    • LBFC would compile, analyze, and publish the final report following data collection and review processes.

Potential Impacts

  • Enhanced transparency: Provides a detailed financial picture of MS4-related entities, which can inform policy discussions on funding, fees, and governance.
  • Rate and fee scrutiny: Could influence revisions to MS4 permitting fees or stormwater charge structures if inefficiencies or inadequate funding are identified.
  • Legislative and fiscal planning: Data may guide future state-level decisions, including potential targeted assistance, grant programs, or changes in MS4-related oversight.
  • Stakeholder awareness: Shelters public understanding of how stormwater programs are financed and where funds are allocated.

Notes

  • The bill is a resolution directing an independent committee, not an appropriation or statutory change. Its effectiveness depends on LBFC’s forthcoming study and any subsequent legislative use of the findings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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