July 2, 2001 

Bard’s Tax Collector Training and Qualification Act Signed by Governor

Montgomery County lawmaker Rep. Ellen M. Bard’s (R-153) legislation protecting local taxpayers has been signed by Gov. Ridge and is now in effect.

House Bill 168 creates a voluntary training and continuing education program for municipal tax collectors.

"I am thrilled that after working hard for six years on this legislation it is finally law," Bard said. "This act will help ensure that incidences similar to that which happened to Abington taxpayers in the 1980s do not occur."

The act would afford tax collectors the opportunity to be trained in order to hold themselves out as a "qualified tax collector " when seeking election to the local post.

During the 1980s, 100 homes erroneously had liens placed on them by an Abington tax collector, serving as the impetus behind Bard placing taxpayer protection and tax collection reform on her priority list upon being elected in 1994.

Under the act, courses will be offered through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), which will develop the training program in consultation with the Pennsylvania State Tax Collectors’ Association. Course costs will be paid by the individual or by the municipality, if the municipality chooses to do so. The department will keep a list of "qualified tax collectors," posting names by county and municipality. The list will be filed once each year and posted to the department’s Internet site.

Pennsylvania Tax Collectors Association President Emiline Weiss said, "It’s a sorely needed instructional class for tax collectors. I’m very happy that it passed and that Representative Bard helped us."

"This measure will provide much-needed training opportunities for aspiring or elected tax collectors," Bard said. " The voluntary competency exams will help to upgrade tax collectors so that they can better serve the people."

    

To learn about the Tax Auditor Training HB 169 - Click here