This bill amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to clarify that religious or fraternal organizations cannot restrict membership based on race, color, national origin, or ancestry to deny equal access to housing, employment, or public accommodations. It specifically updates Section 5(h)(10) to explicitly prohibit such discrimination under the guise of religious or fraternal affiliation. The change directly affects religious institutions, fraternal organizations, and housing providers operating under existing exemptions. The amendment takes effect 60 days after passage.
HB 1492 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to regulate how landlords use criminal records when screening potential tenants. It would limit the types of criminal records landlords can consider and require the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission to establish guidelines for fair screening practices. The bill also imposes penalties for landlords who violate the new rules and mandates the Commission to monitor compliance with the updated screening standards. This directly affects landlords conducting tenant screenings and tenants whose criminal records might impact their housing applications.
HB 1882 updates Pennsylvania's rules for mortgage lenders and strengthens consumer protections in the mortgage industry. It revises licensing requirements for mortgage loan originators, clarifies exemptions from needing a license, and adds specific safeguards for borrowers. The bill directly affects mortgage lenders operating in Pennsylvania and consumers applying for mortgage loans by changing how lenders must be licensed and what protections must be provided. These changes aim to streamline licensing while ensuring borrowers receive clearer information and fairer treatment during the mortgage process.
HB 1095 modifies Pennsylvania court records to limit public access to eviction information in dockets and indices. It directly affects tenants, landlords, and court clerks by restricting how eviction history is shared while requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process these records under the new rules. The key provision creates a "limited access" system for eviction data, meaning the public cannot freely view these records as they currently can. This change applies specifically to eviction-related court documents within the state's judicial system. The bill passed the House on June 23, 2025, and was referred to the Judiciary Committee.
HB 734 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to update landlord responsibilities in tenement and multiple-dwelling buildings. It specifically adds new requirements for landlords when relocating tenants, such as providing relocation assistance during building repairs or renovations. The bill directly affects landlords in older apartment buildings and tenants who may need to move due to property improvements or maintenance. These changes clarify and strengthen existing protections for renters in multi-unit housing.
HB 1250 amends Pennsylvania's Manufactured Home Community Rights Act to protect residents in manufactured home communities. It requires community owners to allow resident associations and group meetings, and mandates 90-day advance notice for rent increases. The bill caps annual rent hikes at 2-4% (based on regional inflation data), prohibits increases during unresolved health/safety violations, and requires clear disclosure of all fees in leases. These changes directly affect approximately 150,000 manufactured home residents and community owners across Pennsylvania, aiming to prevent exploitative rent practices and stabilize housing costs.
This bill allows land banks to acquire blighted or abandoned properties under specific conditions. Municipalities must verify properties have been vacant/blighted for 5 years (with exceptions for unimproved land), have building code violations or tax delinquency, and send three certified mail notices to owners. Property owners can appeal by submitting a redevelopment plan with financing, architectural details, or developer contracts; if approved, they get 6-month extensions but must meet redevelopment timelines. Land banks must pay owners the property's appraised value minus fines or liens, directly affecting land banks, municipalities, and owners of distressed properties.
