|
For Immediate
Release
9/24/08
Local Government Committee Approves Several
Measures
Protects religious views; increases loan
amounts to municipalities
The Senate Local Government Committee
recently approved several measures, including ones protecting religious
viewpoints of such sects as the Amish, clarifying powers of municipal
authorities; increasing loan limits for local governments; and establishing a
uniform system for recording and registering deeds, according to Senator Bob
Regola (R-39), Committee Chairman.
-
Senate Bill
461,
462,
463 would amend various municipal codes for townships
and boroughs by allowing property owners an exemption from sewer connections
based on religion.
-
House Bill
588 would amend state law to clearly state that municipal
authorities have the power to refer for prosecution violations concerning
water and sewer lines.
-
House Bill
708 would increase the loan limits under the Local
Government Capital Project Loan Program and give preference to projects
promoting regional cooperation.
-
House Bill
1634
- the Uniform Municipal Deed Registration Act would
provide a more timely process for recording deeds in counties and
registering deeds in municipalities.
In regard to
SB 461-463, Senator Regola noted that the Amish are traditionally opposed to
electricity. Since sewer systems are run by electricity, this poses a major
religious conflict for the Amish.
“These bills
mirror exemptions for religious viewpoints in other state laws,” said Sen.
Regola. “It is important to remember that state laws cannot always be one-size
fits all, but need to take into consideration such aspects as religion.”
In regard to
HB 708, Senator Regola stated, “The Capital Project Loan Program is very
important for our smaller communities (less than 12,000 in population) and has
been successfully used by municipalities to procure needed equipment and
construct buildings.”
The Committee
approved an amendment by Senator Regola that doubles the amount that
municipalities can borrow at low-interest rates (2 percent) -- for equipment
(now at $50,000) and facilities (now at $100,000).
In regard to
House Bill 1634, Senator Regola stated, “I am pleased that we could move forward
on legislation that provides a much simpler and convenient process for home
owners and buyers for recording and registering deeds. Counties will now be
allowed to forward recorded deeds electronically to municipalities, thus
expediting the process.”
Senate Bills 461-463 have been passed by the Senate and now await action
in the House. House Bills 588, 708, and 1634 await further consideration in the
Senate.
Contact:
Nathan Silcox
(717) 787-6063
 Print this page
E-mail
this page
Back |
