Housing

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.

SB 780 creates new rules for managing encampments in Pennsylvania. It defines an "unauthorized encampment" as a temporary structure housing three or more unrelated people on property without consent, where conditions like garbage, drug activity, or unsafe sanitation exist (an "indication of nuisance"). Property owners must remove such encampments within 30 days or face civil penalties up to $250 per day, while municipalities can enforce removal after a nuisance determination. This law directly affects property owners, local governments, and individuals living in encampments, focusing on public health and safety without creating new housing programs.