H.B. 1701, a bill to create a geospatial coordination council in Pennsylvania, unanimously (194-0) passed the Pennsylvania House April 2. The bill was introduced by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom). Pennsylvania is one of only three states that does not have a geospatial coordination council.

PA-MAPPS, the first state chapter of MAPPS, has been driving the effort for the creation of a geospatial coordination council since 2007.

H.B. 1701 brings the state agencies, counties, townships, universities and private sector together to provide coordination of geospatial activities in the Commonwealth.

A number of organizations have provided their support and action for the formation of a council through legislation, including:

• Pennsylvania Mapping and Geographic Information Consortium (PAMAGIC)
• County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP)
• PA Chapter of the American Planning Association
• Pennsylvania Bar Association
• Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA)
• The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education GIS Consortium and Affiliates (PASSHEGIS Consortium and Affiliates)

The bill will now be considered by the Pennsylvania Senate.