Housing (Affordable Housing)

HB 842 amends Pennsylvania's Tax Reform Code to create new deductions for realty transfer tax paid on certain home purchases. It directly affects low-to-moderate income buyers (those collecting SSI or with household income ≤215% of federal poverty level) and buyers purchasing primary residences at ≤80% of their county's median home price. The bill allows these buyers to deduct the transfer tax paid from their taxable income, and in the second scenario, the seller also receives this deduction. Counties must submit annual median home price data to the Department of Revenue to implement the price-based deduction. The changes take effect 60 days after enactment.

HB 529 establishes a program allowing Pennsylvania municipalities to create "Smart Growth Zoning Districts" in areas with good transit access or existing development (like downtowns or near transit stations). It creates a "Smart Growth Zoning District Fund" that pays municipalities a one-time "density bonus payment" for each new housing unit built in these districts, specifically targeting "attainable housing" for residents earning up to 120% of the area's median income. Municipalities must submit detailed housing plans showing how they will meet local housing needs through these districts. The bill directly affects local governments, developers, and residents seeking affordable housing options in designated zones.

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.