Pennsylvania House Bill HB67

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/14/25
• Refer: 1/14/25
• Refer: 5/12/25
• Report Pass: 5/13/25
• Engrossed: 5/13/25
• Refer: 5/22/25

Caption

In management of the condominium, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes; in management of cooperatives, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes; and, in management of planned community, providing for outdoor solar access for drying clothes.

Impact

The bill is expected to have a significant impact on existing regulations governing the management of condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities in Pennsylvania. By allowing residents established rights regarding outdoor clothing drying, the legislation addresses issues of autonomy and personal freedoms in communal living scenarios. Moreover, this act accommodates practical everyday needs while simultaneously promoting environmentally friendly practices by encouraging the use of natural sunlight for drying clothes rather than relying on electricity, supporting broader sustainability goals.

Summary

House Bill 67 aims to amend Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, focusing specifically on the rights related to outdoor solar access for drying clothes within condominiums, cooperatives, and planned communities. The bill clearly prohibits associations from imposing unreasonable restrictions that prevent unit occupants from utilizing outdoor areas for drying their clothes. This legislative change intends to enhance the rights of residents in such communities, allowing them to take advantage of solar energy for practical purposes such as laundry drying, which is particularly relevant in a push toward more sustainable living practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 67 is generally positive, particularly among proponents of sustainable living and those advocating for homeowner rights in community associations. Supporters believe that permitting outdoor drying not only aligns with eco-friendly practices but also provides cost-saving benefits to residents by reducing energy consumption. Nonetheless, there may be some contention among opponents who express concerns regarding aesthetics, potential nuisance issues, or safety regulations that may arise from allowing clothes drying in visible public areas.

Contention

Despite the overall support for the bill, there are notable points of contention, particularly about the limitations and regulations that associations can still impose. While the bill prohibits unreasonable restrictions, the allowance for associations to adopt reasonable rules regarding the timing, placement, and manner of clothes drying may raise concerns among residents about the potential for overly restrictive bylaws. This balance between promoting individual rights and maintaining community standards will be critical in the bill's implementation and in addressing any subsequent disputes within these property management frameworks.