WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 2177

An Act amending Titles 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns), 11 (Cities) and 16 (Counties) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in ordinances, further providing for publication; in council, further providing for publication of proposed ordinance; and, in county commissioners and chief clerks, further providing for ordinances and resolutions.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Freeman and 4 co-sponsors

HB 2177 standardizes and tightens how local governments publish ordinances and proposed ordinances across boroughs, cities, and counties.

Referred to Local Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2177

Bill Summary – Pennsylvania HB 2177 (2025-2026)

Overview

  • Jurisdiction: Pennsylvania
  • Session: 2025-2026
  • Title: An Act amending Titles 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns), 11 (Cities) and 16 (Counties) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in ordinances, further providing for publication; in council, further providing for publication of proposed ordinance; and, in county commissioners and chief clerks, further providing for ordinances and resolutions.
  • Sponsors: Bob Freeman, Brett Miller, Christina Sappey, Lee James, Izzy Smith-Wade-El
  • Status (as of latest action): Referred to Local Government (1/30/2026); reported as committed and first considered (2/4/2026); laid on the table and then removed from the table (2/4/2026); finally removed from table (4/15/2026).

Purpose and Intent

HB 2177 proposes amendments to several title chapters governing local government ordinances and related publication requirements. The core aim appears to be clarifying and potentially tightening the publication process for ordinances and proposed ordinances across boroughs, cities, counties, and the offices of county commissioners and chief clerks. While the exact textual changes are not included here, the bill’s language indicates a focus on how ordinances and resolutions are published and circulated for public notice and comment.

Key Provisions (as described by title and scope)

The bill amends provisions in:
- Title 8 (Boroughs and Incorporated Towns): In ordinances, further providing for publication. This likely refines where, how, and when notices of ordinances must be published (e.g., newspaper, official website, or other designated channels) and associated timelines.
- Title 11 (Cities): In council, further providing for publication of proposed ordinance. This could affect the publication process for proposed ordinances initiated by city councils, including notice requirements and the period for public inspection or comment.
- Title 16 (Counties): In county commissioners and chief clerks, further providing for ordinances and resolutions. This may address publication rules for county-level ordinances and resolutions, possibly including who is responsible for publication and the acceptable formats or channels.

Given the cross-jurisdictional nature, the bill likely standardizes or harmonizes publication requirements to ensure consistency across boroughs, cities, and counties.

Affected Entities

  • Local governments: Boroughs, incorporated towns, cities, and counties.
  • Governing bodies: Borough councils, city councils, county commissioners.
  • County officials: Chief clerks and other officers responsible for publishing ordinances and resolutions.
  • General public: Stakeholders and residents who rely on official notices for transparency and participation.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Referral and Committee: Referred to the Local Government Committee on 1/30/2026.
  • Actions in Committee: Reported as committed and given first consideration on 2/4/2026.
  • Floor/Table Motions: The bill was laid on the table and subsequently removed from the table on 2/4/2026; later action shows it was again removed from table on 4/15/2026, indicating ongoing consideration or revival after initial table delay.
  • Next Steps (if advanced): If passed by the General Assembly and signed by the governor, the act would take effect according to its specified effective date (not provided in the summary). Administrative agencies and local governments would need to adjust to any new publication standards.

Potential Impact

  • Transparency and Public Notice: Could improve or standardize how local governments publish ordinances and proposed ordinances, potentially enhancing public access to legal notices.
  • Administrative Compliance: May require municipalities to adjust procedures, publication mediums, and timelines to align with new requirements.
  • Consistency Across Jurisdictions: By amending multiple title chapters, the bill aims to reduce variation in notice requirements between boroughs, cities, and counties.

Notes

  • The exact statutory text and specific changes (e.g., publication mediums, required publication times, or notice content) are not provided here. For precise language and implications, reviewing the bill’s text as amended and any fiscal or regulatory impact statements would be essential.

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

Sign in to ask a question.