Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1878

Introduced

9/25/25

Refer

9/25/25

Caption

Providing for managed native conservation landscaping.

Impact

One of the significant impacts of HB 1878 is the prohibition of deed restrictions that would prevent property owners from utilizing managed native conservation landscaping on their properties. This provision aims to empower homeowners by allowing them more freedom in landscape choices that benefit the environment. However, it also enables community associations to establish reasonable guidelines regarding the appearance and maintenance of these landscapes, suggesting a balanced approach between individual rights and community standards.

Summary

House Bill 1878 proposes amendments to Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, introducing provisions for managed native conservation landscaping. The bill aims to promote the use of native plants and environmentally friendly landscaping practices, which are intended to enhance water quality and manage storm water effectively. By encouraging the planting of native species, the bill seeks to support local wildlife and pollinators while addressing pollution and runoff concerns as per state water quality standards and the Chesapeake Bay implementation plan. The bill also specifically defines what constitutes managed native conservation landscaping and clarifies exclusions related to uncultivated turf grass and noxious weeds.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1878 appears to be generally supportive, particularly among advocates for environmental conservation and sustainability. Proponents argue that the bill is a crucial step toward promoting greener practices in landscaping, which can yield long-term ecological benefits. Opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications for community governance and the ability of homeowner associations to enforce aesthetic standards, suggesting potential conflicts or challenges in the implementation of the law.

Contention

A notable point of contention regarding HB 1878 may revolve around the balance it attempts to strike between encouraging environmentally beneficial landscaping practices and maintaining community control over property aesthetics. While the bill is designed to alleviate restrictions on the installation of native landscaping, it also allows for community associations to impose certain guidelines. This duality could lead to debates about how much control associations should maintain over individual property choices, particularly if restrictions are perceived as excessive or counterproductive to the bill's objectives.

Latest PA HB1878 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1878

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2470

Providing for duties of Commonwealth agencies regarding insecticide-free native plants and for duties of Department of Conservation and Natural Resources regarding pollinator habitats and insecticide-free native plants.

PA HB1358

Providing for healthy outdoor public grounds; and imposing duties on the Department of Health, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Agriculture.

PA HB32

Providing for storm water management plans and facilities.

PA HB797

In construction, improvement, maintenance and repair of State highways, providing for native vegetation along highways.

PA HB2147

Providing for storm water management; and, in municipal authorities, further providing for definitions and for purposes and powers.

PA SB645

In general provisions, providing for ten-year limitation for acquiring title to vacant land for gardens in cities of the first class.

PA HB699

Updating and expanding the storm water planning requirements to be undertaken by counties; authorizing counties to regulate storm water within a watershed-based planning area; authorizing the formation of water resources management authorities; enabling counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities to develop integrated water resources management plans; imposing duties and conferring powers on the Department of Environmental Protection, the Environmental Quality Board, counties, municipalities and water resources management authorities; providing for financing and for waiver of use for certain grant or loan funds; establishing the Integrated Water Resources Management Account; and making repeals.

PA HB1275

Providing for protection of existing riparian buffers, for restoration of impaired riparian buffers, for exemptions, for municipal authority, for powers and duties of Department of Environmental Protection, for property inspections, for delegation to a municipality, for municipal action appeals, for penalties, civil action and liability for costs and for effect on other Commonwealth laws or regulations and municipal ordinances.

PA HB843

In emergency management services, providing for counterterrorism planning, preparedness and response; in Emergency Management Assistance Compact, providing for construction; and making repeals.

PA SB792