Which Issues Will the Legislature Address?
By Jennifer Shockley
While attending a local association’s legislative breakfast recently, one representative noted that after the November 7th election, “it’s not a matter of how many days we’re in session but how many hours.”
As the two-year legislative session comes to an end, there are only six scheduled session days in November. With so many legislators either retiring or losing in primary defeats, the General Assembly will have at least 40 new elected officials in January. The outcome of the general election could play a major role in determining how many days (or hours) the legislature is in session before adjourning.
This time of year is called “sine die” and generally means long days (and nights) at the Capitol, swarms of lobbyists pushing their legislation and caffeine-fueled legislators and staff trying to decode last minute amendments.
While it’s unclear how much will get done before the end of session, PAR Legislative Subcommittees reviewed numerous bills in preparation for the frenzied pace of sine die. Here’s a quick recap of the bills and recommendations which were adopted by the PAR Legislative Committee:
House Bill 2384 - Support
House Bill 2384 would define “county” to include counties of the second-class (Allegheny) and remove second-class counties from the definition of “taxing district.”
House Bill 2803 - Oppose
House Bill 2803 would establish funds in counties of the second class A, third through eighth classes and home-rule charter counties of these classes. Each fund would receive revenue from a $2 fee charged for each document recorded.
House Bill 2848 - Support
House Bill 2848 would provide a tax credit for employer-assisted housing programs. The legislation provides that the PA Housing Finance Agency would adopt guidelines for approving employer-assisted housing programs and manage the allocation of tax credits.
House Bill 2705 and Senate Bill 1260 - Monitor
House Bill 2705 and Senate Bill 1260 would remove the licensee exemption to practice limited mortgage lending. These bills are part of a package introduced as a result of the Department of Banking report Losing the American Dream: A Report on Residential Mortgage Foreclosures and Abusive Lending Practices in Pennsylvania. If the bills move, maintaining the exemption will not be a priority for PAR.
House Bill 2840 - Support
House Bill 2840 would expand the deadline to file for the New Home Construction Local Tax Abatement for six months after occupancy of the residence or the end of the calendar year in which the person takes occupancy, whichever is longer.
Senate Bill 917 - Support
Senate Bill 917 would amend the Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to add “Licensed Real Estate Appraiser” and “Appraiser Trainee” to the Act.
Senate Bill 1258 and House Bill 2891 - Monitor
Senate Bill 1258 and House Bill 2891 would amend the Real Estate Appraisers Certification Act to increase the complement of Appraiser Board members from seven to eleven, increase penalties and provide two additional reasons for disciplinary action.
Senate Bill 1229 - Monitor
Senate Bill 1229 would create a summary offense if a person avoids rental obligation by relocating to another address with the intent of avoiding payment of the judgment for unpaid rent and costs.
Senate Bill 1291 - Monitor
Senate Bill 1291 would provide that within three days of relinquishment of the premises, a landlord would send a notice to the former tenant that any of his personal property remaining on the premises must be retrieved within 10 days. After the period has expired, the landlord would have no further responsibility to the former tenant with regard to the personal property and may dispose of the property.
For more information on these bills and all actions taken by the Legislative Committee, go to the PAR web site at www.parealtor.org. Meeting minutes are located in the Meetings & Conventions section.