Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB247

Introduced
1/22/25  

Caption

In procedure to condemn, further providing for notice to condemnee; and, in procedure for determining damages, further providing for appointment of viewers and for service of notice of view and hearing.

Impact

The implications of HB 247 are significant as they seek to improve transparency and fairness in the eminent domain process. By mandating definitive procedural specifications, the bill intends to prevent ambiguities that may have led to legal challenges in previous instances of property condemnation. The amendments could also potentially lead to quicker resolution of disputes regarding property acquisition by the state, which is crucial for public infrastructure projects and development.

Summary

House Bill 247 is an act aimed at amending the procedure for eminent domain within the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The proposed amendments focus on enhancing the notification process to condemnees and revising the procedural aspects concerning appointment of viewers and the service of notices related to views and hearings. The bill specifies that notice should be served via certified mail or by a competent adult in a manner similar to civil actions, thereby aiming to ensure more reliable communication with concerned parties.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 247 appears cautiously optimistic. Supporters of the bill, including some legislators and advocacy groups for property rights, argue that these changes are necessary for protecting the rights of property owners during the condemnation process. However, concerns have been raised regarding the adequacy of notice provisions, with some potential opponents arguing that while the bill seeks to improve communication, it may not resolve all underlying issues associated with eminent domain.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the effectiveness of the proposed notification methods. Critics worry that relying solely on certified mail could still delay notifications to condemnees, especially in cases involving complex ownership structures or properties with multiple owners. Moreover, while the intention of streamlining procedural aspects is commendable, opponents may argue that additional safeguards are needed to ensure that property owners are fully informed of their rights and the processes affecting their properties.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1106

In procedure to condemn, further providing for notice to condemnee; and, in procedure for determining damages, further providing for appointment of viewers and for service of notice of view and hearing.

PA HB2538

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure to condemn, further providing for declaration of taking, for security required and for recording notice of condemnation, providing for advanced notice to condemnee and further providing for notice to condemnee, for preliminary objections, for possession, right of entry and payment of compensation and for revocation of condemnation proceedings; in procedure for determining damages, further providing for petition for appointment of viewers, for report of viewers, for allocation of damages and for liens and distribution of damages; in just compensation and measure of damages, further providing for measure of damages, for condemnee's costs where no declaration of taking filed and for limited reimbursement of appraisal, attorney and engineering fees and providing for coverage of mortgages and liens and for compensation for loss of goodwill of business or farm operation; and, in evidence, providing for proof of continuous ownership.

PA SB800

In procedure to condemn, providing for advanced notice to condemnee; and, in just compensation and measure of damages, providing for compensation for loss of goodwill of business or farm operation.

PA HB2513

Further providing for notices of taxes.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

PA SB1051

In corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment and for review by board and providing for settlement conference process, for closing agreements and for report to General Assembly; and, in general provisions, further providing for timely filing.

PA HB1994

In corporate net income tax, further providing for definitions; in procedure and administration, further providing for petition for reassessment and for review by board and providing for settlement conference process, for closing agreements and for report to General Assembly; and, in general provisions, further providing for timely filing.

PA SB726

Further providing for definitions, for proposed regulations and procedures for review and for final-form regulations and final-omitted regulations and procedures for review; providing for regulations deemed withdrawn; further providing for procedures for subsequent review of disapproved final-form or final-omitted regulations; providing for concurrent resolution required for economically significant regulations; further providing for existing regulations; and providing for State agency regulatory compliance officers and for Independent Office of the Repealer.

PA HB1600

In children and youth, further providing for availability of services, providing for purposes, further providing for payments to counties for services to children, for review of county submissions and for statistics and assistance for research, providing for ensuring safe and humane institutional practices and further providing for study of delinquents and recommendations to courts; and, in departmental powers and duties as to licensing, further providing for refusal to issue license, revocation and notice.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.