HB 973 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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.

HB 973 creates a grant program to support municipal police departments in Pennsylvania. It provides funding for police department consolidation, achieving accreditation standards, officer training, and community outreach programs. Grants range from $5,000 to $100,000 per department depending on the purpose, with special provisions for small departments (under 10 officers). The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, is funded through a new Municipal Police Enhancement Consolidation Grant Program Fund. This directly affects cities, boroughs, and townships with their own police departments.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Mar 2025
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Mar 19, 2025 Last action Apr 29, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN1056 Printer's No. PN3315 · 7 edits
MODERATE
The bill was updated to rename the program to include 'AND Consolidation' and added a new section requiring the Commission to review applications in consultation with state homeland security and community development officials. The scope of eligible expenses was expanded to include technology upgrades, body cameras, and community engagement programs, while new limitations were added to prevent grant money from replacing existing funding. Additionally, the definition of eligible municipalities was broadened to include incorporated towns and home rule municipalities.
Scope change
The bill's scope was expanded to include incorporated towns and home rule municipalities as eligible applicants, and the definition of a police department was broadened to include regional departments and those operating under contracts.
SCOPE

The program name was changed to 'Municipal Police Enhancement AND Consolidation Grant Program' to reflect a dual focus on improving existing departments and merging them.

REQUIREMENT

A new review process was established requiring the Commission to consult with the Governor's Office of Homeland Security, the Pennsylvania State Police, and the Department of Community and Economic Development.

New limitations were added to ensure grant money supplements rather than replaces existing funding and allows departments to reapply for the same purpose in subsequent years.

A geographic diversity requirement was added to ensure grant awards are dispersed throughout the Commonwealth.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of eligible municipalities was expanded to include incorporated towns and home rule municipalities, and the definition of a police department was broadened to include regional departments and those providing services via contract.

FISCAL

Eligible grant uses were expanded to include technology improvements, body-worn cameras, hardware/software equipment, and community engagement programs.

DEFINITION

The definition of 'Municipal Police Officer' was added to include both full-time and part-time employees empowered to enforce laws.

Floor votes · House Apr 29, 2026

How they voted

260
Passed
Total votes 26
Apr 29, 2026
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
12 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Apr 29, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Apr 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Mar 19, 2025
Committee
Referred to Local Government
lower
1 primary · 11 co-sponsors

Sponsors