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HB 553

Taylor County; Probate Court; authorize assessment and collection of technology fee

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patty Marie Stinson

HB 553 allows Pennsylvania to transfer land and easements to enhance transportation, support conservation, and improve local governance, benefiting various stakeholders.

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Bill Summary · HB 553

Summary of HB 553

Bill Title: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands and easements.

Bill Number: HB 553
Status: Act No. 12 of 2025
Introduced: February 11, 2025
Primary Sponsor: Nathan Davidson
Cosponsors: Dave Madsen, David Rowe, Thomas Mehaffie, Sheryl Delozier

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 553 is to facilitate the transfer and conveyance of various parcels of land and easement interests between state agencies and local authorities in Pennsylvania. This bill aims to enhance the management and accessibility of public lands, particularly for transportation and conservation purposes.

Key Provisions

HB 553 includes several significant provisions:

  1. Land Transfer to Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority:

    • Authorizes the Department of General Services, with the Governor's approval, to grant and convey certain lands located in Harrisburg, Dauphin County, to the Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority.

  2. Easement Transfer for Lake Winola Access:

    • Authorizes the transfer of an easement interest in a portion of Project 70 lands owned by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, specifically for Lake Winola Access in Overfield Township, Wyoming County, to the Department of Transportation.

  3. Land Exchange with Tioga County:

    • Authorizes the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor and the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, to convey a tract of land to Tioga County and accept a tract of land from Tioga County, both located in Charleston Township, Tioga County.

  4. Conveyance for Pennsylvania Game Commission:

    • Authorizes the Department of General Services, on behalf of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, with the approval of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Governor, to grant and convey a parcel in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, to the Pennsylvania Game Commission. This is in exchange for a tract partly in Nesquehoning Borough and partly in Lehigh Township, Carbon County, which will be added to Lehigh Gorge State Park.

Impact

The bill is expected to impact various stakeholders, including:

  • Local Governments: The transfer of land to and from Tioga County may enhance local governance and land management.
  • Transportation Authorities: The Susquehanna Regional Transportation Authority will gain access to land that may facilitate transportation projects.
  • Conservation Efforts: The exchange of land for the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the addition of land to Lehigh Gorge State Park will support conservation and recreational activities in the region.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 11, 2025: Bill introduced and referred to State Government.
  • June 30, 2025: Bill signed in both the House and Senate, presented to the Governor, and approved.
  • June 26, 2025: Final passage in the House.
  • June 24, 2025: Reported as committed and first consideration.
  • June 10, 2025: Removed from the table for further consideration.

This summary provides an overview of HB 553, highlighting its purpose, key provisions, and the potential impact on various stakeholders within Pennsylvania.

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

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