In the Governor as Commander-in-Chief, further providing for powers of Governor.
Summary
HB2242 amends Pennsylvania’s Military Affairs title to add a new restriction on armed military forces from other states or territories entering the Commonwealth for military duty. Under the bill, such a force may not enter Pennsylvania unless the Governor gives express permission or the force has been called into federal service and is acting under presidential authority. The bill also limits the Governor’s permission to no more than 30 days in a calendar year unless the General Assembly approves a longer period by concurrent resolution.
The measure is framed as a change to the Governor’s powers as Commander-in-Chief over Pennsylvania military forces, including the Pennsylvania National Guard and Pennsylvania Guard. It does not alter the structure of those state forces, but it creates a statutory gatekeeping process for outside armed forces operating in the state. The bill would take effect 60 days after enactment.
Impact
HB2242 would amend Section 501 of Title 51 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by adding a prohibition on out-of-state armed military forces entering Pennsylvania for military duty without authorization. It would give the Governor limited authority to approve such entry, while reserving longer deployments for approval by concurrent resolution of the General Assembly. The practical effect is to tighten state control over the presence of external military forces and to clarify when interstate or territorial military units may operate within Pennsylvania.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or recorded vote information is available for HB2242, so there is no documented legislative debate or voting pattern to gauge sentiment. Based on the bill text alone, the proposal appears to be a sovereignty- and oversight-oriented measure that would likely appeal to supporters of executive and legislative control over military activity in the Commonwealth. However, without discussion records, any broader support or opposition cannot be determined from the available materials.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns the balance of authority between the Governor and the General Assembly over allowing armed forces from other states or territories to operate in Pennsylvania. Supporters may view the bill as a safeguard against unauthorized military presence and a way to ensure state oversight, while opponents could argue it creates unnecessary procedural barriers or limits flexibility in emergencies and cooperative interstate operations. Another possible issue is whether the 30-day cap and requirement for concurrent resolution could complicate coordination with neighboring states or federal authorities.
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.
Amending the act of June 25, 1931 (P.L.1352, No.332), referred to as the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Compact, providing for veto power by the Governor over certain actions; further providing for audits; and providing the Governor of each state with power to ratify or veto certain actions taken by commissioners.