An Act authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Friends of Peace Church, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements known as Peace Church situate in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sheryl Delozier

The bill authorizes transferring ownership of Peace Church property in Hampden Township, Cumberland County, from PHMC to the private nonprofit Friends of Peace Church, with Governo

Re-committed to Rules

Summary of HB 2607 (Session 2025-2026) — Pennsylvania

Purpose and intent

This bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), with the Governor’s approval, to grant and convey certain lands and improvements to a private nonprofit organization, Friends of Peace Church.

The conveyed property is identified as Peace Church and is located in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

The overarching objective is to transfer ownership and control of the specified lands/improvements from PHMC to the nonprofit entity.

Key provisions and changes

Authorization for PHMC to grant and convey: The bill gives PHMC explicit authority to transfer title and control of the Peace Church property to Friends of Peace Church.

Governor’s approval: The conveyance requires assent or approval from the Governor, adding a final executive sign-off step to the transfer process.

Identification of property: The subject property is specifically described as Peace Church and its associated lands and improvements in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

Nature of recipients: The recipient is a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation named Friends of Peace Church, indicating a transfer to a private, nonprofit organization rather than to a governmental entity.

Conditions and terms: The bill text would typically outline any conditions tied to the conveyance (e.g., use restrictions, preservation covenants, maintenance obligations, or reverter clauses). For the exact conditions, the bill’s full drafting would need to be consulted, but the summary notes the conveyance mechanism and approval requirement.

Who would be affected

Commonwealth: PHMC would be the current holder of the property and would proceed with the transfer under statutory authority.

Government and public interests: If the property has historical or cultural significance, transferring to a private nonprofit could affect public access, stewardship responsibilities, and preservation commitments, depending on any conditions attached to the transfer.

Friends of Peace Church: As the recipient, the nonprofit would gain ownership and control of the Peace Church property, enabling potential use, preservation efforts, or programmatic activities consistent with its mission and any transfer conditions.

Cumberland County and Hampden Township: Local stakeholders could experience changes in land use, tax status (property taxes may shift if ownership changes), and potential implications for local planning or heritage activities.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Legislative path: The bill must pass both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly and receive the Governor’s signature to become law.

Transfer process: After enactment, PHMC would follow the statutory process to prepare, execute, and record the deed transferring the property to Friends of Peace Church, subject to any conditions stipulated by the bill and state laws.

Conditions precedent and post-transfer requirements: The bill may specify conditions precedent (e.g., appraisals, title clearance) and post-transfer obligations (e.g., ongoing maintenance, preservation covenants). Exact details would be in the bill text.

Additional notes

The summary reflects the bill’s stated intent to authorize a land grant and conveyance to a private nonprofit entity, with gubernatorial approval, and to specify the property involved.

For a complete understanding, the full bill text should be reviewed to identify any land-use restrictions, preservation covenants, financial considerations, or contingencies tied to the conveyance.