Pennsylvania House Bill HB510

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/17/23
• Refer: 3/17/23

Caption

In assessments of persons and property, providing for senior property tax freeze.

Impact

The implications of HB 510 are significant for both the government and its eligible citizens, aiming to ease the financial burden faced by seniors regarding property taxation. By instituting a tax freeze, the bill could help maintain housing affordability for older residents who may be on fixed incomes. The program also establishes a framework for local governments to offer these tax freezes, suggesting that individual municipalities will have the authority to implement the program based on their specific needs and circumstances.

Summary

House Bill 510 seeks to amend Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by introducing a senior property tax freeze program. This legislation is designed to provide financial relief to senior citizens by freezing their property taxes at a base year amount. To qualify, claimants must be at least 65 years old, have been residents of Pennsylvania for at least five years, and have a household income not exceeding $80,000 annually. The bill outlines the basic structure for implementation, including application procedures for eligible individuals and oversight responsibilities for the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 510 appears to be generally positive among legislators advocating for the elderly, emphasizing the need for protections against rising property taxes that disproportionately affect seniors. However, there may be some contention regarding the funding and administrative requirements of implementing the freeze program, as local governments will need to decide how to administer this initiative effectively without imposing excessive financial burdens on their own budgets.

Contention

Notable points of contention may revolve around the income eligibility cap and whether it effectively addresses the needs of all seniors, particularly those with fluctuating incomes. Additionally, discussions could arise on the long-term financial viability of the tax freeze program for municipalities and its potential impact on local revenues. The overall effectiveness of the program in actually providing the intended relief while remaining fiscally responsible is likely to be a focal point of ongoing discussions.