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."