Pennsylvania 2025_0 Regular Session Status: In Committee 12 D cosponsors

HB 973 — An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to area government and intergovernmental cooperation, providing for Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program and establishing the Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program Fund.

Last action — Laid on the table, April 29, 2026

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 19, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the House.

Prognosis

Stalled 26% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

Low

How often bills like it became law.

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 12 sponsors

    1 primary, 11 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (12 D).

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

Police Accreditation and Consolidation Program (Former HB2415)

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

152 added · 243 removed

Plain-language change summary

The latest version of Bill HB 973 introduces a Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program, which aims to support the improvement and consolidation of municipal police departments. Key changes include the addition of a Fund specifically for these grants, clearer definitions for terms like "application" and "consolidation," and the removal of sections that previously outlined specific review and award processes. These changes are significant as they streamline funding and support for police departments, potentially leading to better collaboration and efficiency in law enforcement.

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PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
PRINTER'S NO.
1056 PRINTER'S NO.
1056 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL Session of No.
3315 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL Session of No.
973 2025 INTRODUCED BY BRENNAN, KENYATTA, PIELLI, SANCHEZ, GIRAL, BURGOS, HILL-EVANS, SCHLOSSBERG, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, DOUGHERTY AND GREEN, MARCH 19, 2025 REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, MARCH 19, 2025 AN ACT Amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to area government and intergovernmental cooperation, providing for Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program and Grant Program Fund.nicipal Police Enhancement Consolidation The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
973 2025 INTRODUCED BY BRENNAN, KENYATTA, PIELLI, SANCHEZ, GIRAL, BURGOS, HILL-EVANS, SCHLOSSBERG, CEPEDA-FREYTIZ, DOUGHERTY, GREEN AND SALISBURY, MARCH 19, 2025 AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, APRIL 29, 2026 AN ACT Amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general provisions relating to area Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program and establishing the Municipal Police Enhancement AND <-- Consolidation Grant Program Fund.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows:
SUBCHAPTER D MUNICIPAL POLICE ENHANCEMENT AND <-- CONSOLIDATION GRANT PROGRAM Sec.
SUBCHAPTER D MUNICIPAL POLICE ENHANCEMENT CONSOLIDATION GRANT PROGRAM Sec.
<-- 2354.
2354.
2355 2353.
2355.
<-- 2354.
2356.
REVIEW PROCESS.
<-- 2356.
<-- 2355.
2357.
AWARD OF GRANTS.
Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund.
<-- 2356.
§ 2351.
LIMITATIONS.
2357 2357.
Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant <-- Program Fund.
2358.
REPORT.
<-- § 2351.
"ACCREDITATION." THE CERTIFICATION OF A POLICE DEPARTMENT BY <-- THE PENNSYLVANIA LAW ENFORCEMENT ACCREDITATION COMMISSION OR ANOTHER RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING BODY, AFFIRMING THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT MEETS ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.
"Application." An application submitted under section 2355(c) (relating to applications for grants) for a grant under the program.
"APPLICANT." A MUNICIPALITY OR POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT SUBMITS AN APPLICATION.
"Application." An application submitted under section 2355(c) 2353(B) (relating to applications for grants) for a <-- grant under the program.
"Consolidation." The process of consolidating two or more municipal police departments under Subchapter A (relating to <-- intergovernmental cooperation) or by a contract for services.
"Consolidation." The process of consolidating two or more municipal police departments under Subchapter A (relating to intergovernmental cooperation) or by a contract for services.
"Fund." The Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation <-- Grant Program Fund established under section 2357(a) (relating to Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program <-- Fund).
"Fund." The Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund established under section 2357(a) (relating to Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund).
20250HB0973PN3315 - 2 - "Municipal police department." A police department that has <-- been organized and established by a municipality.
"Municipal police department." A police department that has been organized and established by a municipality.
"MUNICIPAL POLICE OFFICER." A FULL-TIME OR PART-TIME <-- EMPLOYEE OF A MUNICIPALITY WHO IS EMPOWERED TO ENFORCE THE LAWS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH AND THE RULES OF THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE MUNICIPALITY.
"Municipality." A city of the second class A, city of the third class, borough, township of the first class or township of the second class.
"Municipality." A city of the second class A, city of the third class, borough, township of the first class or township of <-- the second class., BOROUGH, INCORPORATED TOWN OR HOME RULE <-- MUNICIPALITY.
"Program." The Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program established under section 2352 (relating to establishment of program).
"POLICE DEPARTMENT." A PUBLIC AGENCY OF A MUNICIPALITY HAVING GENERAL POLICE POWERS AND CHARGED WITH MAKING ARRESTS IN CONNECTION WITH THE ENFORCEMENT OF CRIMINAL OR TRAFFIC LAWS.
THE TERM INCLUDES A REGIONAL POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM WHICH A MUNICIPALITY RECEIVES POLICE SERVICES OR A POLICE DEPARTMENT THAT PROVIDES THE MUNICIPALITY WITH POLICE SERVICES UNDER AN AGREEMENT OR CONTRACT.
"Program." The Municipal Police Enhancement AND <-- Consolidation Grant Program established under section 2352 (relating to establishment of program).
The Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant <-- Program is established and shall be administered by the commission.
The Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program is established and shall be administered by the commission.
Grants provided under the program shall be used to improve and enhance the capabilities of municipal police <-- departments, incentivize VOLUNTARY consolidation and provide <-- training and other appropriate resources to municipal police officers.
Grants provided under the program shall be used to improve and 20250HB0973PN1056 - 2 - enhance the capabilities of municipal police departments, incentivize consolidation and provide training and other appropriate resources to municipal police officers.
<-- The commission shall transmit notice of the availability of 20250HB0973PN3315 - 3 - grants under the program to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin within 120 days from June 30, 2026, for grants under the program for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and by August 8 for grants under the program for each fiscal year thereafter.
The commission shall transmit notice of the availability of grants under the program to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin within 120 days from June 30, 2026, for grants under the program for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and by August 8 for grants under the program for each fiscal year thereafter.
(2) Achieving accreditation standards of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
20250HB0973PN1056 - 3 - (2) Achieving accreditation standards of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
(i) Not less than $5,000 nor more than $100,000 per 20250HB0973PN3315 - 4 - municipal police department for the purpose of consolidation.
(i) Not less than $5,000 nor more than $100,000 per municipal police department for the purpose of consolidation.
(b) Applications.--Within 180 days of June 30, 2026, for applications for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and by October 1 for applications for each fiscal year thereafter, the commission shall provide applications to the chief of each municipal police department or the chief executive of each municipality.
(b) Applications.--Within 180 days of June 30, 2026, for applications for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2026, and by October 1 for applications for each fiscal year thereafter, the 20250HB0973PN1056 - 4 - commission shall provide applications to the chief of each municipal police department or the chief executive of each municipality.
§ 2353.
(c) Submission.--A municipal police department seeking a grant under the program shall submit a completed application to the commission within an application period prescribed by the commission.
APPLICATIONS FOR GRANTS.
<-- (A) DUTY OF COMMISSION.--THE COMMISSION SHALL PRESCRIBE THE 20250HB0973PN3315 - 5 - FORM AND MANNER IN WHICH AN APPLICATION MAY BE SUBMITTED TO RECEIVE A GRANT AWARD UNDER THE PROGRAM.
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(c) (B) Submission.--A municipal MUNICIPALITY OR police <-- department seeking a grant under the program shall MUST submit <-- TO THE COMMISSION a completed application to the commission <-- within an application period prescribed by the commission.
<-- THAT SUPPORTS ACCREDITATION OR CONSOLIDATION GOALS.
THE COMMISSION SHALL ACCEPT APPLICATIONS ON AN ANNUAL BASIS, PENDING THE AVAILABILITY OF FUNDING.
§ 2354.
REVIEW PROCESS.
(A) DUTY OF COMMISSION.--THE COMMISSION SHALL REVIEW COMPLETED APPLICATIONS RECEIVED FROM ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS IN CONSULTATION WITH THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY, THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.
(B) GEOGRAPHIC DIVERSITY.--THE COMMISSION SHALL ENSURE THAT GRANT AWARDS MADE UNDER THE PROGRAM ARE GEOGRAPHICALLY DISPERSED THROUGHOUT THIS COMMONWEALTH.
§ 2355.
AWARD OF GRANTS.
20250HB0973PN3315 - 6 - THE COMMISSION MAY ISSUE A GRANT AWARD TO AN APPLICANT FOR ANY OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) COSTS RELATED TO THE CONSOLIDATION OF POLICE SERVICES, INCLUDING SHARED EQUIPMENT, VEHICLES AND UNIFORMS, AS WELL AS REASONABLE MODIFICATIONS TO SHARE POLICE FACILITIES TO SUPPORT JOINT OPERATIONS.
(2) PERSONNEL, INCLUDING SWORN OFFICERS, AND NONSWORN CIVILIANS, NECESSARY FOR ACCREDITATION OR CONSOLIDATION.
(3) TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY IMPROVEMENTS, INCLUDING RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS, REPORT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND NATIONAL INCIDENT-BASED REPORTING SYSTEM UPDATES.
(4) HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE EQUIPMENT, INCLUDING BODY-WORN CAMERAS, VEHICLE CAMERAS AND MOBILE INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT.
(5) DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ALIGNED WITH ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS AND EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICES.
(6) COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT AND CRIME PREVENTION PROGRAMS RESPONSIVE TO LOCAL PUBLIC SAFETY NEEDS AND DEVELOPED IN COLLABORATION WITH LOCAL STAKEHOLDERS.
(7) ANY OTHER ELIGIBLE ACTIVITY THAT DIRECTLY SUPPORTS ACCREDITATION OR CONSOLIDATION GOALS.
§ 2356.
LIMITATIONS.
(A) GRANT AMOUNT.--A GRANT UNDER THE PROGRAM MAY NOT EXCEED $100,000 FOR ELIGIBLE ACTIVITIES UNDER SECTION 2355 (RELATING TO AWARD OF GRANTS).
(B) PROGRAM AWARDS.--GRANTS MAY BE AWARDED ON A PRO RATA BASIS IF THE TOTAL DOLLAR AMOUNT OF APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED EXCEEDS THE AMOUNT OF MONEY APPROPRIATED FOR THE PROGRAM.
(C) RESTRICTION ON USAGE OF GRANT MONEY.-- 20250HB0973PN3315 - 7 - (1) GRANT MONEY ALLOCATED UNDER THE PROGRAM SHALL BE USED TO SUPPLEMENT AND NOT SUPPLANT EXISTING FUNDING.
(2) NOTHING IN THIS SECTION SHALL BE CONSTRUED TO PROHIBIT A POLICE DEPARTMENT FROM MAKING AN APPLICATION TO RECEIVE A GRANT AWARD UNDER THE PROGRAM IN A SUBSEQUENT YEAR FOR THE SAME PURPOSE AND AMOUNT IN THE PRIOR YEAR.
Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant <-- Program Fund.
Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund.
(a) Establishment.--The Municipal Police Enhancement AND <-- Consolidation Grant Program Fund is established as a separate fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of making grants under the program.
(a) Establishment.--The Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund is established as a separate fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of making grants under the program.
(c) Continuing appropriation.--All money deposited into the fund and all interest accrued is appropriated to the commission on a continuing basis for the purposes provided under this section.
(c) Continuing appropriation.--All money deposited into the fund and all interest accrued is appropriated to the commission on a continuing basis for the purposes provided under this 20250HB0973PN1056 - 5 - section.
(d) Administration.--The commission may not allocate more <-- than $500,000 of money in the fund for the administrative costs of the program.
(d) Administration.--The commission may not allocate more than $500,000 of money in the fund for the administrative costs of the program.
(2) Seventy-five percent of the money shall be used for grants to municipal police departments for the following 20250HB0973PN3315 - 8 - purposes:
(2) Seventy-five percent of the money shall be used for grants to municipal police departments for the following purposes:
THE COMMISSION <-- MAY NOT EXPEND MORE THAN 3% OF MONEY APPROPRIATED TO THE COMMISSION FOR THE PROGRAM ON ADMINISTRATIVE EXPENSES.
§ 2358.
REPORT.
BY DECEMBER 31 FOLLOWING THE END OF THE THIRD FISCAL YEAR OF GRANT AVAILABILITY, THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION SHALL DEVELOP A WRITTEN REPORT ON THE FUNDING AND EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROGRAM.
THE COMMISSION AND GRANTEES SHALL PROVIDE THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT COMMISSION WITH ALL REQUESTED DOCUMENTATION RELATED TO THE STUDY.
20250HB0973PN3315 - 9 -
20250HB0973PN1056 - 6 -
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How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill establishes the Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program, providing a framework for grants to improve municipal police departments in Pennsylvania.

  • Chapter 23 of Title 53

    SUBCHAPTER D MUNICIPAL POLICE ENHANCEMENT AND CONSOLIDATION GRANT PROGRAM

    A new subchapter is added to create a specialized grant program for municipal police.

  • § 2351. Definitions.

    The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the context clearly indicates otherwise:

    Defines key terms relevant to the new grant program, including 'Accreditation,' 'Applicant,' and 'Municipality.'

  • § 2352. Establishment of program.

    The Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program is established and shall be administered by the commission.

    Establishes the grant program aimed at enhancing municipal police capabilities.

  • § 2353. Publication and notice of program.

    The commission shall transmit notice of the availability of grants under the program to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the next available issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.

    Mandates notification of grant availability to increase awareness among potential applicants.

  • § 2354. Award of grants.

    The commission may award grants under the program to municipal police departments for costs related to consolidation and improvements.

    Allows the commission to fund specific activities that improve municipal police structures.

  • § 2355. Applications for grants.

    The commission shall prescribe the form and manner in which an application may be submitted to receive a grant award under the program.

    Establishes a structured process for grant applications.

  • § 2356. Accreditation or consolidation incentives.

    The commission shall establish a certification bonus point system to provide additional grant funding to a municipal police department which has achieved accreditation or consolidation.

    Incentivizes municipalities to achieve accreditation or consolidate by providing additional funding.

  • § 2357. Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program Fund.

    The Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program Fund is established as a separate fund in the State Treasury for the purpose of making grants under the program.

    Creates a dedicated fund to manage the financial aspects of the grant program.

Action History

  1. Laid on the table, April 29, 2026

  2. First consideration, April 29, 2026

  3. Reported as amended, April 29, 2026

  4. Referred to LOCAL GOVERNMENT, March 19, 2025

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 11 co-sponsors · 241 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (11)

Not signed on (241)

241 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does HB 973 do?
Police Accreditation and Consolidation Program (Former HB2415)
Who sponsors HB 973?
HB 973 is sponsored by Tim Brennan (Democratic), Chris Pielli (Democratic), Benjamin V. Sanchez (Democratic), Jose Giral (Democratic), Danilo Burgos (Democratic), Carol Hill-Evans (Democratic), Michael H. Schlossberg (Democratic), Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz (Democratic), G. Roni Green (Democratic), Abigail Salisbury (Democratic), Malcolm Kenyatta (Democratic), and Sean Dougherty (Democratic).
What is the current status of HB 973?
This bill is in committee in the House. Introduced March 19, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track HB 973?
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