Prohibiting the harassment of homeowners by real estate professionals and construction companies; and imposing penalties.
Impact
If passed, HB 882 will significantly impact state laws regulating real estate practices, particularly by introducing penalties for harassing behaviors. Real estate professionals who engage in such practices could face civil penalties ranging between $2,000 to $10,000 for each violation. This law would also grant homeowners the right to pursue legal action against violators in court, thereby creating a more supportive legal framework for homeowners seeking to defend their rights against unwanted solicitations and coercive tactics.
Summary
House Bill 882, known as the Homeowner Harassment Prevention Act, aims to protect homeowners from harassment by real estate professionals and construction companies. The bill outlines specific definitions for predatory tactics, such as repeated unsolicited attempts to contact homeowners who have requested such contact to cease, and threats regarding the sale of their property. By establishing clear rules and definitions on what constitutes harassment, this legislation seeks to empower homeowners and ensure they are treated fairly in property transactions.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HB 882 appears to be largely positive among homeowners and advocacy groups focused on consumer rights. Supporters see it as a crucial step toward safeguarding individuals from aggressive sales tactics and protecting property owners from potential exploitation. Nonetheless, there may be concerns among real estate professionals regarding the implications of strict penalties and potential overreach, particularly in how the definitions of harassment are applied in practice.
Contention
One of the notable points of contention related to HB 882 is the balance it aims to strike between protecting homeowners and allowing real estate and construction professionals to conduct legitimate business. Critics may argue that the bill could impose unnecessary burdens on businesses by potentially leading to litigation over innocuous interactions. Additionally, the provision for vicarious liability raises questions about how far-reaching the implications of this law might be for companies involved in property transactions, complicating the legal landscape.
Providing for a prohibition on solicitation of owners of residential real property within defined geographic areas by real estate brokers, salespersons or other persons regularly engaged in the trade or business of buying and selling real estate, for homeowner cease and desist zones and for homeowner cease and desist lists; and imposing penalties.
Providing for verification of construction contractors and for procedures for verification; establishing the Construction Contractor Verification Account; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.
Providing for verification of construction contractors and for procedures for verification; establishing the Construction Contractor Verification Account; imposing penalties; and making an appropriation.
Providing for historic homeownership preservation incentive tax credit; imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission; and establishing the Historic Homeowner Preservation Tax Credit Administration Fund.
Providing for duties of direct-to-consumer genetic testing companies and for prohibition on disclosure of genetic data of consumers; and imposing civil penalties.