HARRISBURG – Legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) enabling the state’s Armory Board to better manage Pennsylvania’s military properties unanimously passed the Senate.
Currently, an armory in the commonwealth is defined as a building used for housing Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers. However, there are many vital buildings, serving a wide array of needs, in which no one is quartered. Unfortunately, these buildings are presently not considered as part of the armory.
Senate Bill 1047 changes this definition to include all buildings the military uses to be part of the armory, allowing for more efficient oversight.
Also, it gives the adjutant generals (TAG) the option to designate someone else to sit on the Armory Board in his place and allow the TAG to authorize the rental of properties to government and non-profit agencies such as the Marine League, American Legion and the Civil Air Patrol.
“My bill is about giving the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) the tools needed to maximize the state’s resources falling under its jurisdiction, including Fort Indiantown Gap,” Gebhard stated. “Right now, the DMVA is limited in how properties can be managed and that needed to be addressed.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration and possible amendments.
The 48th District includes all of Lebanon County and parts of Dauphin and York counties.
CONTACT: Matthew Urban, 717-787-5708