In preliminary provisions, providing for county property contact information list; imposing duties on chief assessors; and providing for penalties.
Impact
If enacted, HB961 will significantly impact how counties manage property information and related communications within real estate. By requiring property owners to provide and keep contact details current, the bill seeks to facilitate better communication between property owners and local governments. This new repository of information is likely to enhance municipal management of property maintenance and code enforcement, thus potentially improving community standards and accountability.
Summary
House Bill 961 aims to amend Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing a county property contact information list. This legislative effort mandates that county recorders of deeds, referred to as chief assessors, maintain an updated list of contact information for property owners, ensuring that municipalities have a point of contact for property-related issues. It defines the responsibilities and penalties for property owners and various types of businesses regarding the accuracy and updating of their contact information.
Sentiment
The sentiment around HB961 is generally positive among local governments and municipal associations, who view the bill as a necessary tool for improving communication and enforcement of property standards. Supporters argue that having direct contact information will allow municipalities to address violations more effectively and maintain property values. However, there are concerns related to privacy and the burden of compliance on property owners and businesses, particularly regarding penalties for failing to maintain accurate information.
Contention
Notable points of contention include the potential penalties for not updating contact information, which could reach up to $1,000 for individuals and businesses for false reporting or failure to update within a designated time frame. Critics may argue that this could impose unreasonable penalties on property owners, particularly those who may lack awareness or resources to comply. Furthermore, ensuring that the information is not used for commercial purposes adds another layer of concern regarding privacy and misuse of data.
In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; imposing duties on the Department of Education; and providing for penalties.
In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Education; and imposing penalties.
Eliminating school district property taxes; imposing county and school district taxes; establishing the School District Emergency Fund and the School District Property Tax Elimination Fund; consolidating Articles II and III of the Tax Reform Code of 1971; in preliminary provisions relating to sales and use tax, providing for definitions; in taxation generally relating to sales and use tax, providing for exclusions and for transfer to county sales and use tax accounts; in preliminary provisions relating to personal income tax, providing for definitions; and making repeals.
Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.
Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.
Providing for skill video gaming; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; providing for issuance of licenses for skill video gaming; imposing a tax and criminal and civil penalties; and providing for zoning.
In sale of property, providing for older adults and delinquent real estate tax notification to designated individual; and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.
In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.