Housing

signed · Pennsylvania · House Jul 20, 2026

HB 2559: An Act authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Student Lodging, Inc., a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain land situate in Millersville Borough, Lancaster County; 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; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Department of Corrections and the Governor, to grant and convey to Ferris Land Development, LP, a Pennsylvania limited partnership, certain lands situate in Benner Township, Centre County; authorizing the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Friends of Peace Church, a Pennsylvania nonprofit corporation, certain lands and improvements known as Peace Church situate in Hampden Township, Cumberland County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the Borough of Danville certain lands situate in Danville Borough, Montour County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Gaudenzia Foundation, Inc., certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to the City of Hermitage, certain lands situate in the City of Hermitage, formerly known as Hickory Township, Mercer County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands situate in the City of Nanticoke, Luzerne County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the consent and approval of the Governor, to grant and convey certain lands situate in the City of Philadelphia, Philadelphia County; authorizing the release of Project 70 restrictions on certain lands owned by the Pennsylvania Game Commission in exchange for the imposition of Project 70 restrictions on other land in Sandy Creek Township, Mercer County; authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to grant and convey to Penn Township Municipal Authority certain lands situate in Penn Township, Snyder County; and authorizing the Department of General Services, with the approval of the Governor, to release a use restriction and reversionary interest affecting certain real property located on the following campuses of The Pennsylvania State University: Dubois Campus, located in Dubois, Clearfield County; Fayette Campus, located in Lemont Furnace, Fayette County; Mont Alto Campus, located in Mont Alto, Franklin County; New Kensington Campus, located in New Kensington, Westmoreland County; Shenango Campus, located in Sharon, Mercer County; Wilkes-Barre Campus, located in West Pittston, Luzerne County; and York Campus, located in York, York County.

This bill authorizes the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to transfer a specific parcel of land and buildings in Millersville to Student Lodging, Inc., a nonprofit organization, for a nominal fee of $1. The property, formerly known as the Witmer Infirmary, includes approximately 0.31 acres with existing structures, and the transfer requires approval from the Governor. The legislation includes conditions that prohibit the use of the land for licensed facilities and allows the state to retain certain easements or add restrictions as it sees fit. If the sale is not completed within 24 months, the property may instead be sold through a competitive bidding process, with any proceeds going to the state's General Fund.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill transfers land to a nonprofit for student lodging, expanding affordable housing options for students.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 12, 2026

SB 1346: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in subdivision and land development, further providing for contents of subdivision and land development ordinance; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions and providing for accessory dwelling units.

This bill updates Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to clarify definitions and streamline zoning rules for local governments. It mandates that municipalities allow accessory dwelling units, such as secondary living spaces on existing lots, in all areas where single-family homes are permitted. The legislation requires these units to be approved automatically within 14 days without a public hearing, provided they meet specific size and location criteria. Additionally, the bill ensures that no-impact home-based businesses are allowed by right in residential zones, subject to existing private land restrictions.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill mandates accessory dwelling units in all single-family zones with automatic approval, increasing housing supply and affordability.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 30, 2026

SB 746: An Act amending the act of November 24, 1976 (P.L.1176, No.261), known as the Manufactured Home Community Rights Act, providing for residents' right to purchase manufactured home community; and further providing for remedies.

SB 746 gives residents of manufactured home communities in Pennsylvania the right to purchase their community when it's sold. When a community owner plans to sell, they must notify all residents, the resident association (if one exists), and local housing agencies at least 90 days in advance, detailing the sale price and terms. Residents represented by a group owning at least 25% of spaces can then submit a competing offer within 90 days, forcing the owner to pause other sales for 120 days while they prepare their offer and negotiate in good faith. The bill also adds legal remedies, allowing residents to seek court action to stop non-compliant sales within 90 days of the transfer. This directly affects manufactured home residents and community owners across Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingSB 746 strengthens tenant protections by granting manufactured home residents preemptive right to purchase their community, preventing displacement and maintaining affordable housing stability in a key housing sector.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 9, 2026

SB 1374: An Act amending the act of December 1, 1977 (P.L.237, No.76), known as the Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act, further providing for title of act, for construction, for definitions, for deteriorated areas, for exemption schedule and for procedure for obtaining exemption; and providing for public registry.

This bill amends Pennsylvania's Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance Act to clarify and expand the types of properties eligible for tax exemptions in economically depressed areas. It specifically broadens the definition of "deteriorated property" to include industrial, commercial, and other business properties, as well as government-owned sites like schools that are located in designated distressed zones or have been ordered vacated or demolished. The legislation also introduces new definitions for terms such as "converted residential portion" and "mixed-use building" to better guide local governments in identifying eligible sites. Under the updated rules, local taxing authorities must hold a public hearing to establish the boundaries of these deteriorated areas before granting tax relief for improvements or new construction within them.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill expands tax exemptions for properties in distressed areas, providing fiscal relief and stimulating local economic revitalization.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expands tax exemptions for properties in distressed areas, potentially aiding revitalization and housing development.75% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1279: An Act providing for issuance of housing construction permits by executive agencies, for designation of Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer and for timelines for permits related to housing construction; and imposing duties on the Office of Transformation and Opportunity.

SB 1279, known as the Reduce the Red Tape for Housing Act, aims to streamline housing construction permitting in Pennsylvania by requiring executive agencies to set specific processing timelines and adopt digital application systems. The bill introduces a new role called the Commonwealth Housing Regulatory Compliance Officer to coordinate between state agencies, local governments, and developers, while also allowing developers to hire independent third-party reviewers to expedite approvals. Additionally, the Office of Transformation and Opportunity must evaluate ways to improve the building materials supply chain and report on progress in reducing regulatory hurdles for housing projects.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill streamlines permitting and reduces red tape to accelerate housing construction, facilitating increased housing development.85% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyBill mandates adoption of digital application systems for housing permits, directly advancing technology use in government processes.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

passed · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 3, 2026

SB 1281: An Act amending the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.805, No.247), known as the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code, in planned residential development, providing for expedited high density housing approval.

SB 1281 amends Pennsylvania's Municipalities Planning Code to create a new process for faster approval of high-density housing projects. The bill requires the State Planning Board to establish rules allowing municipalities to approve specific residential developments on zoned lots without needing to update their comprehensive plans or land use regulations. These expedited approvals are limited to smaller housing units, such as duplexes, townhouses, and multi-unit buildings with fewer than 50 units, provided they meet existing density limits and are served by public utilities. The legislation also enables the use of pre-approved building plans and typical drawings to streamline the construction permitting process.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill expedites high-density housing approvals to increase housing supply and address affordability.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 803: 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.

SB 803, the First-Time Homebuyer Savings Account Act, creates a program allowing Pennsylvania residents who have never owned a home (first-time homebuyers) to open tax-advantaged savings accounts. The Treasury Department will administer the program using existing structures (like the ABLE Program), enabling account holders to save for down payments and closing costs on single-family homes. Funds in the accounts can only be used for eligible home purchase expenses, with the program funded by account contributions and earnings - not state debt. This bill directly affects first-time homebuyers seeking to save for homeownership within Pennsylvania.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates tax-advantaged savings accounts for first-time homebuyers, providing tax relief to middle-income residents through state-administered program.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates tax-advantaged savings accounts for down payments/closing costs, directly enabling first-time homebuyers to access homeownership.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jul 17, 2025

SB 815: An Act amending the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971, in realty transfer tax, further providing for excluded transactions; and, in local real estate transfer tax, further providing for imposition.

SB 815 adds an exclusion to Pennsylvania’s state real estate transfer tax for first-time home buyers purchasing single-family residences. It directly affects individuals who have never owned a single-family home (including mobile homes or condos) in Pennsylvania or another state and will reside in the property. The bill defines "first-time home buyer" as someone living in Pennsylvania, domiciled in the home, and without prior ownership of similar properties. This exclusion applies only to the state tax, not local real estate transfer taxes, and takes effect 60 days after enactment. The bill is currently pending in committee.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief for first-time home buyers by excluding them from real estate transfer tax, reducing burden on lower/middle-income residents.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExcludes first-time home buyers from real estate transfer tax, reducing purchase costs and promoting affordable homeownership for qualifying buyers.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track

in committee · Pennsylvania · Senate Jun 23, 2025

SB 62: An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, establishing the Redevelopment Authority Startup Loan Program and the Redevelopment Authority Startup Fund.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesReallocates $10M from General Fund to fund redevelopment loans, supporting targeted economic development spending within state budget management.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes $10M fund for residential redevelopment loans, enabling housing development in smaller counties through affordable financing for property redevelopment.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Housing

Track