The bill amends the Second Class Township Code regarding the process for filling vacancies in township offices. It introduces new provisions that clarify the responsibilities of the board of supervisors and the vacancy board when a vacancy occurs. Specifically, if the board of supervisors fails to fill a vacancy within thirty days, the vacancy board must do so within an additional fifteen days. The vacancy board will consist of the board of supervisors and an appointed registered elector, who will serve as chairperson but cannot vote for themselves. Additionally, the bill allows the board of supervisors to convene the vacancy board at any time after a vacancy occurs if they are unable to fill it.
Furthermore, the bill stipulates that if a majority of seats on the board of supervisors are vacant, the court of common pleas will fill those vacancies upon receiving a petition from the remaining supervisors or a specified number of registered electors. It also clarifies that a resignation that leaves the board without a majority will create a vacancy effective on the date specified in the resignation or, if no date is specified, on the second business day after the resignation is tendered. These changes aim to streamline the process of filling vacancies and ensure that township governance remains functional. The act will take effect in 60 days.