URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 09/26/06

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, and reported out the following bills:

SB 858 - An Act providing for requirements relating to portable fire extinguishers and for enforcement and penalties.  Senator Kitchen offered amendment 09332 which redefines dwelling unit, adds language for deductions for portable fire extinguisher and states that an officer or agency must verify proper function of the extinguisher.  A unanimous vote was recorded and it was reported as amended. 

SB 1291 - This legislation amends the Landlord and Tenant Act of 1951, providing for disposition of abandoned property.  Under amendment 09448, offered by Senator Pileggi, it further defines on what terms a tenant will have to give up the possession of a premise.  Senator Waugh voted against the legislation making the votes 9-1.  It was reported as amended. 

SB 2667 - The bill amends the act of May 28, 1937, known as the Housing Authorities Law, by further providing for powers of the Authority and mixed-used projects.  A unanimous vote was recorded and it was reported as committed.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 01/31/06

The Senate Urban Affairs & Housing Committee met on Tuesday, January 31, 2006, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

House Bill 395 (O’Brien) - An Act prohibiting any municipal pension or retirement system in a city of the first class from denying certain benefits to surviving spouses of firefighters or certain employees upon a subsequent remarriage of the surviving spouse.

House Bill 1467 (T. Stevenson) - An Act providing for dispute resolution procedures relating to residential construction defects between contractors and homeowners or members of associations.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 12/13/05

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

House Bill 1826 (T. Stevenson) – This bill amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property), further providing for escrow of deposits or posting of surety bond or letter of credit.
 

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/21/05

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Tuesday, June 21, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Amended (unanimously)

SB 523 (Wonderling) -- This bill amends the Housing Finance Agency Law, establishing the Firefighter Mortgage Assistance Program.  This program is to encourage firefighters to purchase and live in residential property in the municipalities in which they serve, where he or she will be provided with low-interest loans. 

Amendment 1939 added language for grants and single-family residence.  It was adopted unanimously.

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

HB 139 (J. Taylor) -- This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities) codifying the Optional County Affordable Housing Funds Act, and making a related repeal.  This allows every county to raise revenues on a local level for affordable housing efforts.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 4/20/05

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, April 20, 2005, and took action as follows:

Reported Out as Committed (unanimously)

SB 82 (Greenleaf) -- The legislation provides for display of the American flag, Pennsylvania flag, or military flag by certain residents.

SB 503 (Greenleaf) -- The bill amends Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) further providing for real estate seller disclosure law.

Reported Out as Amended (unanimously)

SB 502 (Greenleaf) The legislation amends the Landlord Tenant Act to require disclosure of flood history in leases.