HB 711 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of November 10, 1999 (P.L.491, No.45), known as the Pennsylvania Construction Code Act, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in exemptions, applicability and penalties, further providing for exemptions.

HB 711 amends Pennsylvania's construction code to exempt specific residential facilities from stricter fire sprinkler requirements. It defines "community home for individuals with autism or intellectual disability" and specifies that one- or two-family dwellings operating as such homes are not subject to Group R-3/R-4 sprinkler rules under the International Building Code. This directly affects facilities providing residential care to people with autism or intellectual disabilities, excluding private homes, government-run facilities, and certain other exempted settings. The bill creates a targeted exemption for these dwellings under the construction code, without altering broader safety standards.
Bill status in committee 3 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2025
House Passage
Apr 2026
Senate Passage
Governor
Introduced Feb 24, 2025 Last action Apr 13, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Printer's No. PN0730 Printer's No. PN3171 · 3 edits
MINOR
This bill update removes the original sponsor Kenyatta and adds a new committee report date, indicating the bill has moved through the legislative process. The definition of 'Autism' was expanded to include the newer DSM-5-TR diagnostic criteria. Additionally, the definition of a 'Community home' was modified to require that foster family care homes be 'approved' and 'residences,' and that other facilities be 'licensed,' adding specific regulatory requirements to the types of homes covered.
Scope change
The bill's scope regarding facility definitions was narrowed and clarified by adding specific licensing and approval status requirements to the list of eligible community homes.
DEFINITION

The definition of 'Autism' was updated to explicitly reference the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) and include text revisions (DSM-5-TR), ensuring the definition aligns with the latest medical standards.

ELIGIBILITY

The definition of a 'Community home' was changed to require that foster family care homes be 'approved' and 'residences,' and that other facilities be 'licensed,' tightening the eligibility criteria for facilities covered under this bill.

TECHNICAL

The bill text was updated to reflect that it was introduced by fewer sponsors (removing Kenyatta) and includes a new report date from the Housing and Community Development Committee, indicating legislative progress.

Floor votes · House Apr 13, 2026

How they voted

260
Passed
Total votes 26
Apr 13, 2026
D Democratic14
14 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican12
12 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
5
Key actions
2
Committee
1
Amendments
1
Apr 13, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (26-0)
house
Apr 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported as amended
lower
Feb 24, 2025
Committee
Referred to Housing & Community Development
lower
1 primary · 2 co-sponsors

Sponsors