Housing

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.

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.

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.

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.