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PA SB218

PA SB218
Further providing for establishment of rentals and selection of tenants and for veteran preferences.


summary

Introduced
02/03/2025
In Committee
02/03/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Amending the act of May 28, 1937 (P.L.955, No.265), entitled "An act to promote public health, safety, morals, and welfare by declaring the necessity of creating public bodies, corporate and politic, to be known as housing authorities to engage in slum clearance, and to undertake projects, to provide dwelling accommodations for persons of low income; providing for the organization of such housing authorities; defining their powers and duties; providing for the exercise of such powers, including the acquisition of property by purchase, gift or eminent domain, the renting and selling of property, and including borrowing money, issuing bonds, and other obligations, and giving security therefor; prescribing the remedies of obligees of housing authorities; authorizing housing authorities to enter into agreements, including agreements with the United States, the Commonwealth, and political subdivisions and municipalities thereof; defining the application of zoning, sanitary, and building laws and regulations to projects built or maintained by such housing authorities; exempting the property and securities of such housing authorities from taxation; and imposing duties and conferring powers upon the State Planning Board, and certain other State officers and departments," further providing for establishment of rentals and selection of tenants and for veteran preferences.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Housing Authorities Law to modify rules around rental housing and veteran preferences. Specifically, the bill updates provisions for housing authorities' tenant selection by clarifying that they cannot rent to individuals who are not U.S. citizens or who are in the United States in violation of immigration laws. The bill also expands veteran preferences to apply across all housing authority programs for which a veteran qualifies. When selecting tenants, housing authorities must continue to rent only to low-income individuals and ensure that the proposed occupants' annual income does not exceed six times the annual rental cost, which includes not just rent but also average annual costs for utilities and services like heat, water, electricity, and cooking facilities. The bill aims to provide clearer guidelines for housing authorities in managing rental properties and ensuring that veterans receive consistent preferential treatment across different housing programs. The changes will take effect immediately upon enactment.

Committee Categories

Housing and Urban Affairs

Sponsors (12)

Last Action

Referred to Urban Affairs & Housing (on 02/03/2025)

bill text


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