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Bill

HB 2667

An Act amending Title 73 (Townships) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in finance and taxation relating to townships of the first class, further providing for tax levies.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jack Rader

Authorizes first-class townships to levy up to 3 mills for police funding via a voter-approved referendum.

Referred to Local Government
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2667

Bill overview

HB 2667 (2025-2026 Session, Pennsylvania) proposes an amendment to Title 73 (Townships) to modify tax levies for townships of the first class, specifically adding a new authority related to funding for the township police department.

Main purpose and intent

  • To authorize townships of the first class to levy an annual police department tax, within a specified cap, contingent on voter approval.
  • To provide a dedicated funding mechanism for police services through a separate tax levy, subject to a favorable referendum.

Key provisions and changes

  • Amends Section 4908(a) of Title 73 to add a new paragraph (10) establishing an annual police department tax.
  • Tax details:
    • Type: An annual tax levied on property and occupations taxable for township purposes, assessed by the county assessment office.
    • Rate cap: Not to exceed three mills (0.003 of assessed value).
    • Rate treatment: The tax may be levied by resolution if at or below the previous year’s rate; a township ordinance is required if the rate increases from the previous year.
  • Referendum requirement:
    • The police department tax may be imposed only after a favorable referendum held in accordance with Pennsylvania election laws.
  • Scope remains aligned with existing authority to levy taxes for township purposes; the new provision specifically earmarks up to three mills for police department funding and ties implementation to voter approval.

Who/what is affected

  • Government: Townships of the first class (existing PA law applies to cities/townships based on class).
  • Property owners and taxpayers: Potentially subject to the new annual police tax (up to three mills), contingent on the outcome of a favorable referendum.
  • Police department funding: Creates a dedicated funding stream that can be used to support police services within the township.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Enabling language requires a favorable referendum before imposition of the police tax.
  • Tax rate administration follows standard rules:
    • If the rate is at or below the prior year, the levy can be enacted by resolution.
    • If the rate increases relative to the prior year, the levy requires an ordinance (and presumably proceeds under the higher rate only after the appropriate process).
  • Effective date: The act takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Notable considerations

  • The bill explicitly ties the new police tax to a voter referendum, ensuring resident approval for funding police services through this mechanism.
  • The cap of three mills provides a quantitative limit on the new levy, helping limit potential tax impact.

If you’d like, I can compare this proposal to current township finance statutes or summarize potential fiscal impact based on hypothetical property valuation scenarios.

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

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