Definitions - 53 Pa. Cons. Stat. § 732

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     § 732.  Definitions.
        The following words and phrases when used in this subchapter
     shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
     context clearly indicates otherwise:
        "Commission."  A board of members elected under the
     provisions of section 735.1 (relating to initiative of electors
     seeking consolidation or merger with new home rule charter) to
     consider the advisability of the adoption of a new home rule
     charter for the proposed consolidated or merged municipality
     and, if advisable, to draft and recommend a new home rule
     charter to the electorate.
        "Consolidated or merged municipality."  A municipal entity
     resulting from successful consolidation or merger proceedings
     under this subchapter.
        "Consolidation."  The combination of two or more
     municipalities which results in the termination of the existence
     of each of the municipalities to be consolidated and the
     creation of a new municipality which assumes jurisdiction over
     all of the municipalities which have been terminated.
        "Contiguous territory."  A territory of which a portion abuts
     the boundary of another municipality, including territory
     separated from the exact boundary of another municipality by a
     street, road, railroad or highway or by a river or other natural
     or artificial stream of water.
        "Election officials."  The county boards of election.
        "Electors."  The registered voters of a municipality involved
     in proceedings relating to the adoption and repeal of optional
     forms of government.
        "Governing body."  The council in cities, boroughs and
     incorporated towns; the board of commissioners in counties and
     townships of the first class; the board of supervisors in
     townships of the second class; or the legislative policymaking
     body in home rule municipalities.
        "Initiative."  The filing with applicable election officials
     of a petition containing a proposal for a referendum to be
     placed on the ballot of the next election. The petition shall
     be:
            (1)  Filed not later than the 13th Tuesday prior to the
        next election in which it will appear on the ballot.
            (2)  Signed by voters comprising 5% of the number of
        electors voting for the office of Governor in the last
        gubernatorial general election in the municipality where the
        proposal will appear on the ballot.
            (3)  Placed on the ballot by election officials in a
        manner fairly representing the content of the petition for
        decision by referendum at the election.
            (4)  Submitted not more than once in five years.
        "Merger."  The combination of two or more municipalities
     which results in the termination of the existence of all but one
     of the municipalities to be merged with the surviving
     municipality absorbing and assuming jurisdiction over the
     municipalities which have been terminated.
        "Municipality."  Every county other than a county of the
     first class, every city other than a city of the first or second
     class, and every borough, incorporated town, township and home
     rule municipality other than a home rule municipality which
     would otherwise be a city of the first or second class.
        "New home rule charter."  A written document that defines the
     powers, structure, privileges, rights and duties of the proposed
     consolidated or merged municipality, the limitations thereon and
     that provides for the composition and election of the governing
     body chosen by popular elections.
        "Referendum."  A vote seeking approval by a majority of
     electors voting on a question of consolidation or merger placed
     on the ballot by initiative or otherwise.
     (Oct. 23, 2003, P.L.180, No.29, eff. 60 days)

        2003 Amendment.  Act 29 amended the def. of "initiative" and
     added the defs. of "commission," "electors" and "new home rule
     charter."

Last modified: November 27, 2007