An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Penn Township Municipal Authority certain lands situate in Penn Township, Snyder County.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by David Rowe

DGS may convey land to the Penn Township Municipal Authority for a municipal well site, with covenants restricting other uses and a reversion to the Commonwealth if terms are viola

Re-committed to Rules

Purpose and intent

HB 2636 proposes authorizing the Pennsylvania Department of General Services (DGS), with the Governor’s approval, to grant and convey certain lands in Penn Township, Snyder County, to the Penn Township Municipal Authority.

The conveyance is intended to support the Municipal Authority’s use of the land for a specific municipal purpose (see key provisions below).

Key provisions and changes

Conveyance authorization: DGS may grant and convey the specified lands to the Penn Township Municipal Authority. The deed would reflect this conveyance and would be subject to conditions described in the bill.

Prohibited use: Any conveyance must include a covenant prohibiting the conveyed property from being used as a licensed facility (as defined in 4 Pa.C.S. § 1103) or any other similar facility authorized under State law. This covenant runs with the land and binds current and future grantees and successors. If the grantee violates this restriction, title to the property reverts to the Commonwealth.

Covenants, conditions, and restrictions: The Secretary of General Services may include additional covenants, conditions, or restrictions in the deed if they are in the Commonwealth’s best interests.

Use restriction specific to the grantee: The conveyed property must be used solely for a municipal well site by the Penn Township Municipal Authority and its successors or assigns. If the Authority or its successors use the property for any other purpose, the Department of General Services may elect to revert title back to the Commonwealth.

Easements: The DGS is authorized to grant easements benefiting the conveyed property, to be held by the Commonwealth or other parties as appropriate, as part of the conveyance process.

Affected parties

Primary recipient: Penn Township Municipal Authority, including its successors and assigns.

State entities: Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of General Services (DGS), and the Governor (for approval of the conveyance).

Other potential holders: Any parties receiving easements related to the conveyed property, as determined by DGS.

Procedural and timeline considerations

Action history indicates the bill was referred to the State Government committee on June 15, 2026.

The bill requires approval by the Governor for the conveyance to proceed.

The mechanism includes a deed with covenants, run-with-the-land restrictions, and potential reversion of title to the Commonwealth if terms are violated.

Potential impact

Public utility protection: Ensures land is used specifically for a municipal well site, supporting local water infrastructure needs.

Land control safeguards: Includes reversionary clause to protect Commonwealth interests if the designated use is not maintained.

Limited facility prohibition: Keeps conveyed land from being used for certain licensed facilities, aligning with broader state regulatory objectives.

Administrative process: DGS would manage conveyance, including possible easements and additional covenants as deemed appropriate.

If you would like, I can add a brief comparison to related Pennsylvania conveyance statutes or outline potential fiscal implications (e.g., costs associated with title reversion, easements, or ongoing compliance).