Posted: | February 14, 2023 03:04 PM |
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From: | Representative Jack Rader, Jr. |
To: | All House members |
Subject: | Tax Collector Bonding Legislation |
In the near future I plan to introduce legislation that would update the bonding requirements for Tax Collectors. The landscape of real estate tax collections in Pennsylvania has changed drastically since Section 4 of the Local Tax Collection Law was written in 1945. Municipal and County codes have received updates as they relate to bonding requirements and this legislation would create parity between the existing statutes. A bond is required for all Tax Collectors and without it an individual may not assume the office. Increasingly, there are situations where elected tax collectors have been refused bonding to perform their tax collection responsibilities, not because they are bad actors but due to frivolous lawsuits or other issues not necessarily indicative of risk. We have also seen some, who wish to do away with Tax Collectors, utilize this as a means to restrict individuals from being bonded. My legislation will enable Tax Collectors to be bonded without prejudice under Section 4 and 4.5 of the Local Tax Collection Law. This bill does not make it easier for bad actors to secure bond it simply makes nuanced language changes to make the bonding process more just. By establishing the common sense bonding protocols in this bill, this initiative will help ensure that duly elected officials are able to take office and serve the taxpayers that elected them without obstruction from groups or entities who seek to subvert the election of a respective Tax Collector. I hope you will consider joining me in cosponsorship of this legislation. Former HB 2375 |
Introduced as HB511