Housing (Mortgages)

SB 1152 amends Pennsylvania's Human Relations Act to explicitly prohibit housing and lending discrimination based on "source of income," which now includes all lawful income like wages, public assistance, child support, pensions, and housing subsidies. The bill adds this category to existing protected characteristics (such as race, religion, and disability) in Section 5(h), banning landlords and lenders from refusing housing, financing, or services - or imposing different terms - because of how a person receives their income. This directly affects housing providers, mortgage lenders, and real estate agents who must now avoid discriminatory practices tied to income sources. The change updates the law to cover modern housing access issues, such as discrimination against tenants using housing vouchers or public benefits.

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.

SB 62 establishes a new $10 million Redevelopment Authority Startup Fund within Pennsylvania's state treasury, funded by a $10 million transfer from the General Fund. It creates a loan program allowing qualified local redevelopment authorities in smaller counties (non-first/second class) to receive startup loans of up to $500,000 at 2% interest, repayable over 10 years. These loans can be used exclusively for purchasing, redeveloping, or remediating residential or commercial properties, but not for operating expenses or debt refinancing. The program aims to support economic development in underserved communities by providing low-cost capital through a revolving fund that replenishes with repayments.

HB 1466 requires mortgage lenders in Pennsylvania to provide mandatory housing counseling to applicants before processing reverse mortgage loans. Specifically, licensees must arrange in-person, phone, or video counseling from a HUD-approved agency, covering reverse mortgage details and alternatives, and issue a certificate documenting the session. This applies to all applicants for reverse mortgages - loans secured by home equity that don’t require repayment until later - and mandates lenders to keep counseling records for the loan’s duration. The bill directly affects mortgage lenders and reverse mortgage applicants, aiming to improve consumer understanding of this complex financial product.

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.

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.