Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 11, 2025

HB 882: An Act prohibiting the harassment of homeowners by real estate professionals and construction companies; and imposing penalties.

HB 882 prohibits real estate professionals (including agents, brokers, and developers) and construction companies from using "predatory tactics" like repeated unsolicited contact after a homeowner requests no further contact, or threats regarding the sale of their property. It requires these professionals to disclose their identity and the intended buyer of the homeowner's property during initial contact. Violators face civil penalties of $2,000 to $10,000 per violation, with each continuing day counting as a separate violation. Homeowners harmed by these practices can sue for damages and recover attorney fees.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects homeowner property rights by prohibiting harassment tactics in real estate transactions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 5, 2025

HB 816: A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for exemptions and special provisions relating to taxation.

HB 816 proposes a constitutional amendment to Pennsylvania's tax code, creating a new standard for homeowners to qualify for relief from real property taxes. It would allow the state legislature to establish income-based thresholds, exempting homeowners from paying the portion of their local property tax on their primary home that exceeds a certain percentage of their household income. This directly affects homeowners who pay local property taxes and meet income criteria set by the legislature. As a constitutional amendment, it requires approval by the General Assembly and then by voters in a statewide election. The bill does not specify income percentages or implementation details, only authorizing future legislation to create such standards.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProposes income-based property tax exemption for homeowners, providing relief to lower-income households, aligning with tax relief indicators.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill provides income-based property tax relief for primary homeowners, reducing housing costs for low-income residents, aligning with affordable housing goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 10, 2025

HB 529: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Smart Growth Zoning and Housing Program and the Smart Growth Zoning District Fund.

HB 529 establishes a program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to create "Smart Growth Zoning Districts" in areas with good transit access or existing development (like downtowns or near transit stations). It creates a "Smart Growth Zoning District Fund" that pays municipalities a one-time "density bonus payment" for each new housing unit built in these districts, specifically targeting "attainable housing" for residents earning up to 120% of the area's median income. Municipalities must submit detailed housing plans showing how they will meet local housing needs through these districts. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and residents seeking affordable housing options in designated zones.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new state fund (Smart Growth Zoning District Fund) to provide density bonus payments for housing, directly increasing state budget allocation for housing programs.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates financial incentives for affordable housing development in transit-accessible areas, targeting residents at 120% AMI through density bonus payments.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes transit-oriented development by incentivizing housing near transit hubs, aligning with sustainable transportation goals through density bonus payments.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Land Use Zoning Vehicle Registration

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Apr 9, 2025

SB 609: An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties and providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

SB 609 limits county fees for affordable housing programs to 100% of existing deed/mortgage recording fees and requires counties to report annually (starting July 2025) on how they use these funds. It establishes the Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee within the Housing Finance Agency, composed of 16 diverse members representing counties, housing advocates, developers, low-income communities, and related sectors. The committee will review county reports, recommend policy improvements, and ensure transparency through public posting of meeting agendas and minutes. This bill directly affects Pennsylvania counties collecting these fees and the Housing Finance Agency, which oversees reporting requirements and committee operations.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingLimits county fees to existing levels, mandates annual reporting, and establishes advisory committee to improve affordable housing program funding and oversight.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance Mortgages

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 31, 2025

HB 1094: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, providing for historic homeownership preservation incentive tax credit; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; and establishing the Historic Homeowner Preservation Tax Credit Administration Fund.

HB 1094 creates a new tax credit for homeowners who rehabilitate historic properties in economically distressed areas of Pennsylvania. It directly affects homeowners who own and occupy as their primary residence certified historic properties located in designated "qualified census tracts" (areas at or below state median income or qualified opportunity zones). The credit covers qualified rehabilitation costs like structural repairs and exterior work, excluding property acquisition, interior improvements, or building expansions. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission and Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program and manage a dedicated fund to support the credit.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax credit for homeowners in distressed areas, providing tax relief for lower-income residents rehabilitating historic properties per Tax Reform Code amendment.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax credit for rehabilitating historic homes in distressed areas, preserving affordable housing stock in low-income census tracts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Historic Preservation Homeownership Property Development

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passed · Pennsylvania · House May 22, 2025

HB 818: An Act providing for the establishment of first-time homebuyer savings accounts for first-time homebuyers in this Commonwealth; establishing the First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Program and the First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Fund; and imposing duties on the Treasury Department.

HB 818 creates a program allowing first-time homebuyers in the Commonwealth to open state-backed savings accounts for down payments and closing costs. It establishes a dedicated First-time Homebuyer Savings Account Fund and requires the Treasury Department to manage the program and allocate funds. The bill directly affects eligible first-time homebuyers by providing a new savings mechanism for housing costs. Key provisions include the fund's creation, Treasury's administrative duties, and the structure for account access.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill establishes a state-funded program requiring Treasury to manage and allocate funds, creating new government spending for homebuyer assistance, directly advancing state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates state-backed savings accounts for first-time homebuyers' down payments, directly funding affordable housing access through dedicated state program.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Mar 6, 2025

SB 394: A Joint Resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for expiration of authority to levy or collect real property taxes on homesteads and farmsteads.

SB 394 proposes a constitutional amendment to end school districts' authority to levy real property taxes on primary homes (homesteads) and farms (farmsteads) after June 30, 2030. This directly affects homeowners and farmers by eliminating future property taxes on their primary residences and agricultural land, while requiring the state to replace lost school funding through alternative taxes like retail sales or income taxes. The bill mandates that the state annually compensate school districts for lost revenue by depositing funds into a dedicated "Stabilization of Education Fund," which cannot be diverted for other purposes. The amendment must pass both legislative chambers and be approved by voters to take effect.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesEliminates property taxes on homesteads/farmsteads (tax relief for homeowners/farmers) while mandating state replacement funding, directly advancing tax relief within Budget & Taxes framework.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEliminates property taxes on primary residences (homesteads), directly reducing housing costs for homeowners and advancing affordability.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Apr 17, 2025

HB 1252: An Act amending the act of December 16, 1992 (P.L.1144, No.150), known as the Credit Services Act, further providing for prohibited activities.

This bill (HB 1252) amends Pennsylvania's Credit Services Act to prohibit credit services organizations from discriminating against consumers based on sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. It specifically bans denying credit, increasing fees, restricting credit amounts, or imposing different terms for these reasons. The law allows organizations to still consider credit history and apply community property laws. This directly affects all credit services providers and their customers in Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingProhibits credit discrimination based on protected characteristics, preventing a barrier to housing access (e.g., rental/mortgage applications), aligning with preventing housing discrimination.85% confidence

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