Housing (Affordable Housing)

signed · Pennsylvania · House Nov 12, 2025

HB 416: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, providing for Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program; in 911 Emergency Communication Services, further providing for surcharge; in Department of Revenue, further providing for exclusion from classes of income and providing for research and experimental expenditures and qualified production property, for report to General Assembly and for interest expense; in joint underwriting association, further providing for findings and for definitions, repealing provisions relating to sunset and providing for risk-based capital certification, for fund transfers, for association oversight and additional duties, for Joint Underwriting Association Board, for board meetings, for construction, for dissolution, for appropriations and for reports and hearings; in State Health Insurance Exchange Affordability Program, further providing for Exchange Affordability Assistance Account; providing for Rural Health Transformation Program; in Treasury Department, providing for waiver of interest, costs and fees; in procedure for disbursement of money from the State Treasury, further providing for use and appropriation of unused Commonwealth funds; in oil and gas wells, further providing for Oil and Gas Lease Fund; providing for advanced air mobility sites and for public transportation vehicles; in human services, further providing for resident care and related costs; in Attorney General, providing for home improvement contractor registration fee; providing for Rare Disease Advisory Council, for affordable housing tax credit and for working Pennsylvanians tax credit; in additional keystone opportunity expansion zones, providing for additional keystone opportunity expansion zones for certain counties of the fourth class; providing for additional extensions of keystone opportunity zones; in special funds, further providing for funding, for expiration and for other grants; in additional special funds and restricted accounts, further providing for establishment of special fund and account, for use of fund and for distributions from Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Fund and providing for refund of 2003 assessment by Insurance Department; in additional special funds and restricted accounts relating to Service and Infrastructure Improvement Fund, further providing for deposits and providing for Property Tax Relief Fund; in general budget implementation, further providing Executive Offices, for Department of Community and Economic Development, for Department of Environmental Protection, for Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, for Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency and for Commonwealth Financing Authority, providing for stenography services, further providing for surcharges, for Federal and Commonwealth use of forest land and for Multimodal Transportation Fund and providing for State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board, for interest transfers, for fund transfers and for miscellaneous provisions; in 2024-2025 budget implementation, further providing for Department of Education, for Department of Environmental Protection and for Department of Human Services; in Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, further providing for scope of article, for definitions and for the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program, providing for review and determination of specific permits and for State agency permits and further providing for construction; providing for electricity load forecast accountability, for 2025-2026 budget implementation and for 2025-2026 restrictions on appropriations for funds and accounts; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

HB 416 establishes a new Child Care Staff Recruitment and Retention Program to support early childhood educators and creates a Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas. It also streamlines permit processes for economic development projects through the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development Program. These provisions are integrated into the 2025 state budget implementation, alongside administrative updates to tax collection procedures, state fund management, and reporting requirements for agencies like the Department of Revenue and Treasury. The bill does not alter existing tax rates or create new funding streams but modifies how current state financial systems operate.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill funds essential programs (Child Care, Rural Health) and provides tax credits (affordable housing, working Pennsylvanians), supporting budget allocation and tax relief.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes Rural Health Transformation Program to improve healthcare access in underserved areas, directly advancing healthcare services and access.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly includes 'affordable housing tax credit' as a direct funding mechanism for affordable housing programs.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill explicitly mentions 'public transportation vehicles' and 'advanced air mobility sites' in title, directly supporting transportation infrastructure expansion.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Fees & Licensing Property Tax State Budget Insurance Substance Abuse Affordable Housing Property Development Property Taxes Vehicle Registration

in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2025

HB 841: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, in disposition of Commonwealth surplus land, further providing for annual property survey.

HB 841 requires Pennsylvania state agencies to complete an annual survey of all Commonwealth-owned real property by March 1 each year. Agencies must identify surplus land and, in consultation with the Department of Community and Economic Development, assess each surplus parcel's potential for affordable housing development for very low-income, low-income, and middle-income households. The Department of Community and Economic Development will compile these surveys, report to the legislature, and evaluate whether surplus properties can be transferred to other agencies for more appropriate use. This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 to establish these annual requirements for managing state-owned property.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates annual survey of surplus land to assess potential for affordable housing development targeting low/middle-income households, advancing housing access through land utilization.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 22, 2025

HB 275: An Act providing for grants to subsidize home ownership; establishing the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development; and providing for report to General Assembly.

HB 275 establishes the Pennsylvania Affordable Homeownership Subsidy Program to help low-to-moderate-income households buy homes. It provides grants (capped at $125,000 per county applicant) for specific projects like homebuyer assistance, property acquisition, and homeownership education, targeting households earning 60%-120% of the area median income (as defined by HUD). The Department of Community and Economic Development will administer the program, set application guidelines, and submit annual reports to the General Assembly on program outcomes. The bill requires sufficient state funding to activate the program, with an effective date 180 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesState allocates funds via new homeownership subsidy program targeting low-income households, increasing public spending on housing assistance.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingHB 275 creates a grant program (capped at $125k/county) to subsidize home purchases for low-to-moderate-income households (60-120% AMI), directly advancing affordable housing access through funding and homeownership assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Feb 3, 2025

SB 218: An Act amending the act of May 28, 1937 (P.L.955, No.265), referred to as the Housing Authorities Law, further providing for establishment of rentals and selection of tenants and for veteran preferences.

SB 218 amends Pennsylvania's Housing Authorities Law to clarify tenant selection rules and expand veteran preferences for low-income housing. It requires housing authorities to rent only to low-income tenants (with income ≤ six times annual rent, including utility costs) and prohibits renting to non-citizens or those violating immigration laws. The bill also adds a provision ensuring veteran preferences apply to all qualifying housing programs, not just specific ones. These changes directly affect Pennsylvania housing authorities and applicants seeking subsidized housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingRequires low-income tenant selection (≤6x rent) and expands veteran preferences for affordable housing programs, directly advancing access to affordable housing.90% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationProhibits renting to non-citizens in low-income housing, restricting immigrant access to housing services per bill's explicit language.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands veteran preferences in low-income housing tenant selection, requiring housing authorities to prioritize veterans across all qualifying programs per amended Housing Authorities Law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Renters Tenant Rights Veteran Housing

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jul 7, 2025

HB 1696: An Act amending the act of December 3, 1959 (P.L.1688, No.621), known as the Housing Finance Agency Law, establishing the Pennsylvania Lease with Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program and the Pennsylvania Lease with Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program Fund.

HB 1696 updates Pennsylvania's Housing Finance Agency Law to create a new program enabling low-to-moderate income renters to purchase homes through a lease-with-guaranteed-purchase-option model. The program allows tenants to lease a home for a set period, after which they have the right to buy it at a predetermined price. A dedicated "Pennsylvania Lease with Guaranteed Purchase Option Home Ownership Program Fund" will provide financial support to facilitate this initiative. This bill directly affects eligible renters seeking homeownership opportunities and aims to expand access to affordable housing through this specific lease-to-own mechanism.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates dedicated fund for low-income housing program, advancing government spending on affordable housing initiatives within budget framework.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill creates a new homeownership program for low-to-moderate income renters via lease-to-purchase with a dedicated fund, directly advancing affordable housing access and owner-occupancy opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Housing Finance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Jan 23, 2025

HB 303: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in sales and use tax, further providing for exclusions from tax.

HB 303 amends Pennsylvania's sales tax code to exclude construction materials and services purchased by contractors for affordable housing projects from state sales tax. It directly affects construction contractors working on housing defined as "affordable" under existing law (section 1902-A), covering projects involving construction, remodeling, repair, or maintenance. The bill adds a new tax exclusion (section 204(77)) to the 1971 Tax Reform Code, removing sales tax liability for these specific materials and services. This policy change takes effect 60 days after enactment.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief by excluding affordable housing construction materials/services from sales tax, reducing costs for contractors and supporting affordable housing development, a public service.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExcludes sales tax on construction materials/services for affordable housing projects, reducing development costs and advancing affordability under PA law.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jan 22, 2025

SB 34: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Philadelphia Housing Authority certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County.

SB 34 authorizes Pennsylvania to sell approximately 1.71 acres of land at 2100 West Girard Avenue in Philadelphia to the Philadelphia Housing Authority (PHA) for $50,000. The bill requires PHA to develop the property exclusively as senior housing and mixed-income affordable housing within five years (with a possible 10-year extension), including a certificate of occupancy for each component. If development isn’t completed on time or the property is used for other purposes (like licensed facilities), the land must revert to the state. This transfer affects PHA’s housing projects and future residents of the planned development.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingAuthorizes sale of land for senior/mixed-income affordable housing development within 5 years, directly advancing affordable housing goals through land transfer and development requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development

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passed · Pennsylvania · House Jun 30, 2025

HB 1650: An Act providing for the Pennsylvania Home Preservation Grant Program; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

HB 1650 establishes Pennsylvania's Home Preservation Grant Program, administered by the Department of Community and Economic Development. It provides grants to local governments (counties, cities, townships) to fund repairs and improvements on existing owner-occupied homes, targeting households earning 80-120% of the area median income. Grants can cover up to $50,000 per unit for habitability fixes, energy/water efficiency upgrades, or accessibility modifications, with local governments allowed to use up to 10% of funds for administration. Applications must demonstrate experience in housing rehabilitation and include plans for using funds per the bill's requirements, with priority given to projects leveraging additional funding sources.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates state funds via grants for housing repairs targeting lower-to-moderate income households, increasing government spending on housing assistance program.92% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill explicitly funds energy efficiency upgrades for homes, directly aligning with support indicators for advancing energy efficiency measures.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingFunds home repairs for 80-120% AMI households via grants up to $50k, targeting affordability and habitability improvements for existing owner-occupied homes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Homeownership

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Mar 10, 2025

HB 843: An Act amending the act of November 24, 1976 (P.L.1176, No.261), known as the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act, further providing for closure of manufactured home communities.

HB 843 amends Pennsylvania's Manufactured Home Community Rights Act to strengthen residents' ability to purchase their community when it faces closure. It requires community owners to provide 120 days' written notice to residents, local authorities, and the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency before closing, with residents given at least 180 days to vacate. The bill mandates that owners negotiate in good faith with resident associations representing 25% of spaces or nonprofits acting on residents' behalf, and establishes a process for residents to match competing offers or use a mutually agreed appraiser to set purchase prices if negotiations fail. This ensures residents can prevent displacement by buying the community, with the option to assign purchase rights to local housing authorities to maintain affordable housing.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingStrengthens tenant protections by requiring 120-day notice, 180-day vacate period, and good-faith negotiation for manufactured home communities facing closure.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Housing Finance

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in committee · Pennsylvania · House Feb 12, 2025

HB 570: An Act providing for middle-income, low-income and very-low-income housing units in new residential development projects.

HB 570 requires developers of new residential projects with 30 or more units to include affordable housing units. Specifically, projects must reserve 5% of units for very-low-income households (earning 50% or less of the area median income), 10% for low-income households (up to 80% of median income), and 10% for middle-income households (80-120% of median income). Developers must meet phased completion targets as market-rate units are finished - such as 10% affordable units when 25% of market units are complete - and municipalities may withhold certificates of occupancy if requirements aren’t met. The bill directly affects developers of qualifying new residential projects in Pennsylvania, aiming to increase housing options for lower-income residents.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates 5-20% affordable housing units in new developments for low/middle-income households, directly advancing affordable housing access per bill requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

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