Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB373

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for reports by private property owners of abandoned vehicles.

Impact

If passed, HB373 is expected to provide a clear legal framework for the definition and management of abandoned vehicles in Pennsylvania. By setting specified time limits for how long a vehicle can remain on public or private property before being deemed abandoned, the bill aims to reduce the legal ambiguities surrounding such situations. Additionally, it addresses the costs associated with the storage and processing of these vehicles, ensuring that wholesale vehicle auctions can recoup some of their expenditure through reasonable fee structures. Importantly, the bill also protects auctions from liability when they follow prescribed procedures for managing abandoned vehicles.

Summary

House Bill 373 seeks to amend Title 75 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by redefining what constitutes an 'abandoned vehicle' and refining the process through which such vehicles can be reported and processed by private property owners and wholesale vehicle auctions. The bill specifies the conditions under which vehicles are considered abandoned, including timeframes for their presence on public and private property, and establishes reporting requirements for vehicle owners. This legislative change is designed to streamline the handling of abandoned vehicles, placing emphasis on both clarity and efficiency in these procedures.

Sentiment

The sentiment towards HB373 is generally supportive among stakeholders in the wholesale vehicle auction industry and property owners who have faced issues with abandoned vehicles. Proponents believe that the bill will help alleviate long-standing frustrations regarding abandoned vehicles cluttering properties and streets, leading to improved traffic safety and aesthetics. However, some concerns were raised regarding the balance of power between property owners and vehicle owners, with apprehensions that stricter definitions could lead to unintended consequences for legitimate vehicle owners who may experience difficulties in reclaiming their vehicles.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB373 revolve around the potential for misuse of the new regulations by property owners who might hastily declare vehicles abandoned without sufficient cause. Critics worry that the timeframe established for determining abandonment could lead to wrongful claims against vehicles that are temporarily parked or inoperable. Additionally, while the bill aims to facilitate the process for wholesale vehicle auctions, there exists concern about how fees will be set and the burden those fees may impose on the owners of abandoned vehicles. The discussions highlight an ongoing debate between the interests of property rights and the rights of vehicle owners.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB103

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for reports by private property owners of abandoned vehicles.

PA SB1129

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for transfer to vehicle salvage dealer and for transfer to scrap metal processor; and, in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for

PA SB894

In magisterial district judges, further providing for jurisdiction and venue; in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for reports by garage keepers of abandoned vehicles; and providing for garage or repair shop liens.

PA HB2251

In abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for notice to owner and lienholders of abandoned vehicles, for authorization for disposal of unclaimed vehicles and for processing of nonrepairable or salvage vehicles.

PA HB719

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in certificate of title and security interests, further providing for refusing issuance of certificate, for transfer to vehicle salvage dealer and for transfer to scrap metal processor and providing for salvor nonrepairable vehicle reconstruction; in inspection of vehicles, further providing for limited liability of inspection station or mechanic and for certificate of appointment for enhanced vehicle safety inspection for reconstructed vehicle, modified or specially constructed inspection stations; in abandoned vehicles and cargos, further providing for reports to department of possession of abandoned vehicles; and imposing penalties.

PA HB2141

In real estate foreclosure, further providing for definitions, for effect of certification of vacancy and abandonment and for applicability and providing for private selling officer sales and for conduct of online sheriff sales.

PA HB1346

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for suspension of operating privilege; in rules of the road in general, further providing for overtaking vehicle on the left and providing for vehicles passing pedestrians on a highway; in special vehicles and pedestrians, further providing for penalty for violation of subchapter; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for the offense of careless driving.

PA HB2442

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in vehicles, further providing for application for license.

PA SB195

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in zoning, further providing for ordinance provisions.

PA SB24

In disposition of abandoned and unclaimed property, further providing for claim for property paid or delivered.

Similar Bills

NJ S3824

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

NJ A3317

Establishes residential property wholesaler license.

CT HB05572

An Act Concerning Real Estate Wholesalers And Real Estate Wholesale Contracts.

CT HB05461

An Act Concerning Wholesaling Residential Properties.

AZ HB2747

Wholesale real estate buyers; disclosure

IA HF2394

A bill for an act relating to the wholesaling of residential property by a wholesaler, and providing civil penalties. (Formerly HSB 637.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA SF2290

A bill for an act relating to the wholesaling of residential property by a wholesaler, and providing civil penalties.(Formerly SSB 3133.)

IA SSB3133

A bill for an act relating to the wholesaling of residential property by a wholesaler, and providing civil penalties.(See SF 2290.)