Senate Bill 643 amends the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act to regulate how landlords can use criminal history information when making housing decisions. The bill prohibits landlords from denying tenancy or retaliating against prospective occupants and tenants based on certain criminal histories. It establishes "fair chance housing" practices, defining specific "legitimate business reasons" for considering criminal history, generally excluding convictions more than two years old. Additionally, it requires landlords to provide notice regarding their use of criminal history and updates the procedures and civil penalties for violations.
This resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study supportive housing availability, types, and demand across the state. The study will examine both temporary and permanent supportive housing options, focusing on vulnerable populations including those experiencing homelessness, living with chronic health conditions, or struggling with low incomes. The Commission must provide policy recommendations and a final report within 18 months to legislative leaders, informing future planning for supportive housing needs. This is a procedural study request - not a law creating new housing - and aims to gather data to guide potential future policy decisions.
HB 1147 requires builders of new or rehabilitated residential buildings in Pennsylvania to fix significant defects (like water leaks or structural issues) at no cost to purchasers within two years of delivery. Builders must complete repairs within six months of being notified of a defect; if they fail to do so, purchasers can sue in court for 150% of the repair costs. The law applies to buildings delivered within two years of the bill's effective date and excludes cosmetic issues or defects covered by existing warranties. This directly affects homebuyers and builders by creating a clear, time-bound process for addressing construction flaws.
Senate Bill 753 establishes the Put Down Roots PA Pilot Program, to be administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). This program offers student loan relief grants to eligible first-time homebuyers in Pennsylvania. To qualify, individuals must purchase a home as their primary residence, have never owned a home in the Commonwealth before, agree to reside there for at least three years, and have an annual household income under $200,000. Grants can be awarded up to $40,000, but cannot exceed the individual's student loan debt or 15% of the home's purchase price. These grant awards are also exempt from state income tax.
HB 1151 requires developers in Pennsylvania to mail a plain-language pamphlet called the "Adjacent Neighbors' Bill of Rights" to homeowners living next to construction or development sites when a building permit is applied for. The pamphlet details homeowners' rights regarding property access, engineering surveys (at developer expense), damage claims from excavation, noise ordinances, and legal resources. It also mandates the Department of Labor and Industry to create and post this resource online and distribute it to officials and community groups. The bill directly affects homeowners adjacent to construction projects and takes effect 60 days after enactment.
HB 72 amends Pennsylvania's 1951 Landlord and Tenant Act to create new protections for tenants facing domestic violence, sexual violence, or stalking. It defines "eligible tenants" as those who are victims themselves or have an immediate family/household member (living with them or within 1,000 feet) who is a victim of these specific violent acts. The bill requires landlords to provide safety options like changing locks or relocating tenants without penalty upon verification from an "attesting third party" (such as a police officer or victim advocate). This directly affects renters in these situations by ensuring they aren't unfairly evicted or penalized for seeking safety due to violence.
This resolution directs Pennsylvania's Joint State Government Commission to study Housing First programs across the U.S. and their potential application in Pennsylvania. The study must examine program costs, effectiveness in reducing homelessness (especially among chronically unhoused individuals and veterans), comparisons with traditional shelter models, and impacts of recent events like the pandemic. The commission will compile a report within 18 months covering specific aspects, including Pennsylvania's homeless population demographics and academic effects on unhoused children. This study aims to inform future housing policy decisions without mandating program implementation.
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.
Senate Bill 646 establishes the Survivor-Centered, Accessible, Fair and Empowering Housing Trust Fund within the State Treasury. This fund aims to provide emergency, transitional, and permanent housing programs, along with support services, for victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, human trafficking, stalking, and their immediate family members. Funding for the trust fund will come from an initial transfer of $1,000,000, a new $10 fee on deed and mortgage filings, and optional $5 contributions during online driver's license or vehicle registration renewals. The Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency will administer the fund to support housing stability for this target population.
HB 842 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create new deductions for realty transfer tax paid on certain home purchases. It directly affects low-to-moderate income buyers (those collecting SSI or with household income ≤215% of federal poverty level) and buyers purchasing primary residences at ≤80% of their county's median home price. The bill allows these buyers to deduct the transfer tax paid from their taxable income, and in the second scenario, the seller also receives this deduction. Counties must submit annual median home price data to the Department of Revenue to implement the price-based deduction. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.
