Apr. 27, 2026
HARRISBURG – Rep. Martin Causer (R-Cameron/McKean/Potter) has introduced legislation that will help increase revenue for counties, municipalities and school districts in which a significant amount of land is managed by the state.
The bill would expand upon the existing Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) currently provided by the state by requiring a portion of revenue collected from the sale of timber, oil and natural gas from state-owned land – as well as revenue from the construction or placement of radio towers and rent and royalties – to be shared with government entities in which the land is located.
“The local governments where state land is located are restricted from future economic development and continually struggle with a limited tax base,” Causer said. “While agencies do pay a small amount in lieu of taxes to these entities, it is a small fraction of what the land could be worth considering the significant revenue the state is collecting from the way they are using the land.”
Specifically,
House Bill 2141 would direct 20% of total revenue collected from the sale of timber, oil and natural gas from state-owned land; revenue from the construction or placement of radio towers on state-owned land; rent and royalties from energy development on state-owned land; and revenue from state park user fees to be deposited into a restricted fund for disbursement to local governments across the Commonwealth.
Disbursements would be based proportionately on the number of acres of state land in each municipality, school district and county. This proposal is similar to federal law that provides revenue to local governments from the sale of timber on national forest land.
“My bill would hold the Commonwealth accountable for fairly compensating our communities and taxpayers for the benefits it sees from the use of state-owned land in our area,” Causer said.
During his time in office, Causer has successfully advocated for three increases in PILT rates paid by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Pennsylvania Game Commission, and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The three agencies each currently contribute $9 per acre, which is split evenly among the county, municipality and school district in which the land is located. Starting in the 2030-31 fiscal year, PILT rates will be adjusted for inflation every five years. The PILT is funded by both slot machine revenue and the agency managing the land.
The bill has been referred to the House Finance Committee for consideration.
Representative Martin T. Causer
67th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
phippler@pahousegop.com
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