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
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✓Introduced
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2In Committee
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3Passed House
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4Passed Senate
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5To Executive
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6Enacted
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.
Odds of enactment
Low chanceBased on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.
Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.
A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.
Prognosis
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In Committee
Current position in the legislative process.
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12 sponsors
1 primary, 11 co-sponsors signed on.
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Single-party support
Sponsorship is currently within one party (12 D).
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Mixed recorded votes
1 passed, 1 failed in recorded votes so far.
Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.
Bill Text
What changed in the latest version
243 added · 152 removedPlain-language change summary
The recent amendments to HB 973 establish a "Municipal Police Enhancement and Consolidation Grant Program Fund," which aims to provide financial support for both enhancing police services and encouraging the consolidation of municipal police departments. The changes clarify the naming and structure of the program. This matters because it expands the scope of funding available to police departments, potentially improving community safety through better resources and operational efficiency. Additionally, it promotes collaboration among municipalities, which could lead to more streamlined and effective law enforcement.
PRIOR PRINTER'S NO.
1056 THEPRINTER'S GENERALNO. ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE BILL Session of No.
9733315 2025THE INTRODUCEDGENERAL BYASSEMBLY BRENNAN,OF KENYATTA,PENNSYLVANIA PIELLI,HOUSE SANCHEZ,BILL GIRAL,Session 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 theNo. 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.
<-- 2354.
2355.2355 2353.
2356.<-- 2354.
REVIEW PROCESS.
<-- 2356.
2357.<-- 2355.
MunicipalAWARD PoliceOF EnhancementGRANTS. Consolidation Grant Program Fund.
§<-- 2351.2356.
LIMITATIONS.
2357 2357.
Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant <-- Program Fund.
2358.
REPORT.
<-- § 2351.
"Application.""ACCREDITATION." AnTHE applicationCERTIFICATION submittedOF underA sectionPOLICE 2355(c)DEPARTMENT (relatingBY to<-- applicationsTHE forPENNSYLVANIA grants)LAW forENFORCEMENT aACCREDITATION grantCOMMISSION underOR theANOTHER program.RECOGNIZED ACCREDITING BODY, AFFIRMING THAT THE POLICE DEPARTMENT MEETS ESTABLISHED PROFESSIONAL STANDARDS AND BEST PRACTICES FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS.
"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.
"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).
20250HB0973PN3315 - 2 - "Municipal police department." A police department that has <-- been organized and established by a municipality.
"Municipality.""MUNICIPAL POLICE OFFICER." A cityFULL-TIME ofOR thePART-TIME second<-- classEMPLOYEE A,OF cityA ofMUNICIPALITY theWHO thirdIS class,EMPOWERED borough,TO townshipENFORCE ofTHE theLAWS firstOF classTHIS orCOMMONWEALTH townshipAND ofTHE theRULES secondOF class.THE GOVERNING BODY OF THE MUNICIPALITY.
"Program.""Municipality." TheA Municipalcity Policeof Enhancementthe Consolidationsecond Grantclass ProgramA, establishedcity underof sectionthe 2352third (relatingclass, toborough, establishmenttownship of program).the first class or township of <-- the second class., BOROUGH, INCORPORATED TOWN OR HOME RULE <-- MUNICIPALITY.
"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.
Grants provided under the program shall be used to improve and 20250HB0973PN1056 - 2 - enhance the capabilities of municipal police <-- departments, incentivize VOLUNTARY 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.
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.
(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.
(c)§ Submission.--A2353. 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.
(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.
(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.
(2) Seventy-five percent of the money shall be used for grants to municipal police departments for the following 20250HB0973PN3315 - 8 - 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.
20250HB0973PN105620250HB0973PN3315 - 69 -
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Action History
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Laid on the table
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First consideration
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Reported as amended
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Referred to Local Government
Sponsors
- Tim Brennan · Primary
- Malcolm Kenyatta · Cosponsor
- Chris Pielli · Cosponsor
- Benjamin V. Sanchez · Cosponsor
- Jose Giral · Cosponsor
- Danilo Burgos · Cosponsor
- Carol Hill-Evans · Cosponsor
- Michael H. Schlossberg · Cosponsor
- Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz · Cosponsor
- Sean Dougherty · Cosponsor
- G. Roni Green · Cosponsor
- Abigail Salisbury · Cosponsor
Sponsorship breakdown
Export CSV (upgrade) →1 sponsors · 11 co-sponsors · 241 not signed on · 25 voted No
Sponsors (1)
- Tim Brennan Democratic
Co-sponsors (11)
- Malcolm Kenyatta 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
- Sean Dougherty Democratic
- G. Roni Green Democratic
- Abigail Salisbury Democratic Voted No
Not signed on (241)
241 members have not signed on to this bill.
Show all 241 →"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.
Votes
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Republican | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Democratic | 0 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 12 | 14 | 0 | 0 |
| % of votes cast | 46% | 54% | 0% | 0% |
How each member voted (26)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Abigail Salisbury | Democratic | Nay |
| Brian Munroe | Democratic | Nay |
| Carol Kazeem | Democratic | Nay |
| Christina D. Sappey | Democratic | Nay |
| Dave Madsen | Democratic | Nay |
| Ismail Smith-Wade-El | Democratic | Nay |
| Jim Haddock | Democratic | Nay |
| Jim Prokopiak | Democratic | Nay |
| Justin C. Fleming | Democratic | Nay |
| Kyle Donahue | Democratic | Nay |
| Lisa A. Borowski | Democratic | Nay |
| Liz Hanbidge | Democratic | Nay |
| Robert Freeman | Democratic | Nay |
| Tarah Probst | Democratic | Nay |
| Alec J. Ryncavage | Republican | Yea |
| Andrew Kuzma | Republican | Yea |
| Brett R. Miller | Republican | Yea |
| Chad G. Reichard | Republican | Yea |
| Dane Watro | Republican | Yea |
| Eric J. Weaknecht | Republican | Yea |
| Jacob D. Banta | Republican | Yea |
| Jill N. Cooper | Republican | Yea |
| Parke Wentling | Republican | Yea |
| Roman Kozak | Republican | Yea |
| Tom Jones | Republican | Yea |
| Wendy Fink | Republican | Yea |
| Party | Yea | Nay | Present | Not Voting |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Republican | 0 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Total | 14 | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| % of votes cast | 54% | 46% | 0% | 0% |
How each member voted (26)
| Member | Party | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Abigail Salisbury | Democratic | Yea |
| Brian Munroe | Democratic | Yea |
| Carol Kazeem | Democratic | Yea |
| Christina D. Sappey | Democratic | Yea |
| Dave Madsen | Democratic | Yea |
| Ismail Smith-Wade-El | Democratic | Yea |
| Jim Haddock | Democratic | Yea |
| Jim Prokopiak | Democratic | Yea |
| Justin C. Fleming | Democratic | Yea |
| Kyle Donahue | Democratic | Yea |
| Lisa A. Borowski | Democratic | Yea |
| Liz Hanbidge | Democratic | Yea |
| Robert Freeman | Democratic | Yea |
| Tarah Probst | Democratic | Yea |
| Alec J. Ryncavage | Republican | Nay |
| Andrew Kuzma | Republican | Nay |
| Brett R. Miller | Republican | Nay |
| Chad G. Reichard | Republican | Nay |
| Dane Watro | Republican | Nay |
| Eric J. Weaknecht | Republican | Nay |
| Jacob D. Banta | Republican | Nay |
| Jill N. Cooper | Republican | Nay |
| Parke Wentling | Republican | Nay |
| Roman Kozak | Republican | Nay |
| Tom Jones | Republican | Nay |
| Wendy Fink | Republican | Nay |
Subjects
Frequently asked questions
- Who sponsors HB 973?
- HB 973 is sponsored by Tim Brennan (Democratic), Malcolm Kenyatta (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), Sean Dougherty (Democratic), G. Roni Green (Democratic), and Abigail Salisbury (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?
- Track HB 973 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.
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