Pennsylvania House Bill HB743

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/25
• Refer: 2/26/25
• Refer: 4/22/25
• Report Pass: 4/23/25
• Engrossed: 4/23/25
• Refer: 4/28/25

Caption

In land banks, further providing for acquisition of property and providing for municipal acquisition of real property.

Impact

The bill establishes guidelines for just compensation for property owners, mandating that a land bank will pay the appraised property value less any fines or liens when acquiring a property. Moreover, municipalities are required to notify property owners multiple times before designating properties as available for acquisition, providing a clear path for owners to appeal such designations. This process aims to protect property owners while allowing municipalities to reclaim potentially valuable parcels of land for development and community revitalization.

Summary

House Bill 743 aims to amend Title 68 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding land banks and the municipal acquisition of real property. The bill provides a structured approach for municipalities to acquire abandoned or blighted properties under certain conditions, such as if a property has been unoccupied for five consecutive years or has been declared a nuisance. This allows for a more efficient process in addressing derelict properties and mitigating urban blight by enabling municipalities to authorize land banks to take on redevelopment projects.

Sentiment

Supporters of HB 743 express optimism about its potential to improve urban landscapes and promote economic development through the responsible redevelopment of vacant properties. They believe that reducing the number of blighted properties can enhance community safety and livability. Conversely, critics may raise concerns about the implications for property rights, emphasizing the need for safeguards to ensure that owner's appeals and redevelopment plans are treated fairly and justly.

Contention

Key points of contention around HB 743 include the balance between municipal authority and property rights, especially in terms of how properties are categorized for acquisition. Some stakeholders may worry that the criteria for identifying abandoned or blighted properties could potentially lead to unfair or arbitrary designations, impacting homeowners negatively. The processes put in place for notification and appeals aim to mitigate such concerns, but there can be debates around the efficacy and fairness of these measures.