Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB29

Introduced
3/7/23  

Caption

In powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for definitions and for appointments of police and fire apparatus operators.

Impact

The implications of HB29 on state laws primarily revolve around the governance of local law enforcement and fire departments. By changing the exemption criteria for boroughs with small police forces, the bill effectively alters the hiring practices for police and fire apparatus operators within these communities. This could streamline certain processes, making it easier for boroughs to navigate personnel changes, but it also risks undermining established civil service protections that have traditionally guided these appointments.

Summary

House Bill 29 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending Title 8 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically regarding the powers, duties, and rights of appointed officers within boroughs. The bill seeks to redefine several key terms and outline the conditions under which police and fire apparatus operators are appointed. A significant alteration proposed in the bill is the adjustment of the stipulation surrounding boroughs with small police forces, specifically those having fewer than ten members.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding the bill appears mixed among stakeholders, with strong opinions on both sides. Proponents argue that the bill modernizes the appointment process, allowing for greater flexibility and responsiveness in the hiring of public safety personnel in smaller boroughs. However, critics raise concerns about potential negative consequences on job security and the erosion of standardized hiring processes that ensure merit-based appointments in the public safety sector.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the specific definitions added to the statute, and the potential impact on civil service commissions in boroughs with fewer than ten police officers. Opponents argue that diminishing these civil service protections could lead to inconsistencies and favoritism in hiring practices, while supporters maintain that the bill will allow boroughs to operate more efficiently under current financial constraints. Overall, HB29 exemplifies the ongoing debate between maintaining rigorous public sector hiring standards and adapting to the practical needs of local governments.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1902

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA SB1027

In assault, further providing for the offense of ethnic intimidation; in particular rights and immunities, further providing for civil rights violations; and, in employees, further providing for definitions and providing for annual officer training on hate-based intimidation.

PA HB1344

In riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for definitions; and, in employees, further providing for canine training standards for police officers.

PA SB520

In wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of Department of Corrections; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts.

PA HB1185

In auditors and accountants, further providing for surcharge by auditors; and, in township manager, further providing for township manager, appointment, removal, powers and duties, compensation and bond.

PA HB1747

In firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for definitions and for sale or transfer of firearms.

PA HB1353

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for Game Commission officers and employees; and, in enforcement, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers.

PA HB36

In Office of State Inspector General, further providing for definitions and for powers, purpose and duties.

PA HB1579

In constables, further providing for townships, providing for bond, further providing for police officers, providing for bail bond enforcement agent, for professional bondsman, for debt collection, for other incompatible employment, for disqualification and for nepotism, further providing for conduct and insurance, for program established, for program contents, for restricted account and for general imposition of duties and grant of powers, providing for constabulary badge and uniform, repealing provisions relating to arrest of offenders against forest laws, further providing for executions, for arrest in boroughs, for fees and for specific fees, repealing provisions relating to impounding, selling and viewing fees, further providing for seizure fees, for election notice in certain areas, for incompetence and for compensation violation, repealing provisions relating to failure to serve in a township and providing for oversight; authorizing county constabulary review boards; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and imposing penalties.

PA HB759

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; and, in county boards of elections, further providing for powers and duties of county boards.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.