PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB609

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB609

Introduced
4/9/25  

Caption

In optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties and providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

Impact

The proposed changes aim to generate a steady revenue stream for affordable housing initiatives in counties across Pennsylvania. By allowing counties to collect fees, the bill seeks to facilitate the creation and management of affordable housing programs that can be tailored to local needs. Reports generated each year will ensure transparency and accountability regarding how the funds are allocated and spent, ultimately aiming to improve access to affordable housing within each community.

Summary

Senate Bill 609 amends Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to enhance affordable housing funding mechanisms at the county level. The bill specifies that counties can impose a fee to support affordable housing programs, alongside establishing annual reporting requirements to assess the distribution and effectiveness of the collected fees. A new Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee will be formed to oversee these efforts and will include diverse stakeholders ranging from county representatives to advocates for low-income families and mental health services.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 609 appears to be generally supportive among housing advocates and local government officials who perceive it as a crucial step towards addressing the ongoing affordable housing crisis. However, concerns may arise regarding potential burdens on county administrations managing these fees and ensuring compliance with the new reporting structure. Nevertheless, the overall sentiment reflects a recognition of the need for innovative solutions to enhance the affordability and availability of housing.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, SA 609 could face contention regarding the imposition of new fees on county transactions like deeds and mortgages. Critics might argue that introducing additional financial obligations could further strain residents already facing economic challenges. Both supporters and opponents of the bill will likely debate the extent to which government intervention, through fees and regulations, should shape local housing markets, reflecting broader discussions on state versus local control in policy formulation.

Latest SB609 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB543

In optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties, providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

PA HB1940

Establishing the Housing Construction Loan Program and the Housing Construction Loan Fund; and providing for duties of Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

PA HR61

Designating May 3, 2023, as "Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Day" in Pennsylvania.

PA HB1630

Establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers and duties; establishing the Office of New Pennsylvanians Restricted Account; and establishing the Advisory Committee to Office of New Pennsylvanians and providing for its powers, duties and membership.

PA HB235

Establishing the Veterans' Housing Assistance Program; imposing duties on Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs; and making appropriations.

PA HB2396

In the agency, providing for tracking system for publicly financed housing.

PA SB616

In the agency, providing for tracking system for publicly financed housing.

PA HB1386

In real property, providing for Pennsylvania attainable housing community designation.

PA SB1168

In emergency COVID-19 response, further providing for Housing Options Grant Program; and making appropriations.

PA HB1101

In public safety, providing for the Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

Similar Bills

PA SB543

In optional affordable housing funding, further providing for affordable housing programs fee in counties, providing for reporting requirements and for Pennsylvania Affordable Housing Advisory Committee and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency.

PA HR253

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish a task force and advisory committee on increasing access to drug and alcohol treatment for substance use disorders; and directing the task force to make recommendations to the General Assembly.

PA HB1695

Amending the act of November 27, 2019 (P.L.667, No.92), entitled "An act abolishing numerous State authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils and representatives; and making related repeals," further providing for State authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils and representatives abolishment; providing for composition of Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, for transfer of duties and for duty of Secretary of the Commonwealth relating to Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council Compact; further providing for repeals; and abrogating an executive order.

PA SB755

Amending the act of November 27, 2019 (P.L.667, No.92), entitled "An act abolishing numerous State authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils and representatives; and making related repeals," further providing for State authorities, boards, commissions, committees, councils and representatives abolishment; providing for composition of Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission, for transfer of duties and for duty of Secretary of the Commonwealth relating to Interstate Rail Passenger Advisory Council Compact; further providing for repeals; and abrogating an executive order.

PA HB308

Further providing for Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency; and establishing the Mental Health and Justice Advisory Committee and the Mental Health and Justice Grant Program.

PA SR143

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a study on the field of artificial intelligence and its impact and potential future impact in Pennsylvania.

PA HR170

Directing the Joint State Government Commission to establish an advisory committee to conduct a study on the field of artificial intelligence and its impact and potential future impact in Pennsylvania.

PA HB2400

Establishing the Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Office and the Alzheimer's, Dementia and Related Disorders Advisory Committee.