URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 02/12/08

The senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 and reported out the following bills:

Reported as amended (9-1):

SB 906, PN1772: (Sen. Browne) This bill would amend the Landlord Tenant Act of 1951 and provide for certain guidelines for removing and disposing of abandoned personal property.

Reported as committed (unanimously):

SB963, PN1157: (Sen. Greenleaf) This bill would amend Title 68 (Real and Personal Property) and permit a condominium association to adopt the Uniform Condominium Act if 67% of the association’s members agree.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 11/28/07

The senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, September 28, 2007 and unanimously reported out the following bill as amended:

SB 486  This bill would amend the Housing Finance Agency Law, further providing for the Homeowner’s Emergency Assistance Program, for notice and institution of foreclosure proceedings, for notice requirements, for assistance payments and for repayment; and for an ongoing foreclosure study in Pennsylvania. 

Senator Browne offered Amendment A04200 that, among other items, further defined the authority and duties of the Housing Finance Agency.  This amendment would mandate that the agency will maintain and publish via website, an up-to-date list of approved credit counseling agencies in each county for the purpose of meeting with and assisting mortgagors in default. 

A vote of 9-0 was recorded for both the amendment and the bill.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 09/26/07

The senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, September 26, 2007 and unanimously reported out the following bill:

SB 465 This bill would amend the Pennsylvania Innkeepers' Rights Act, providing for criminal background checks for prospective employees who would have access to room keys.

The bill was reported out by a 9-0 vote

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 03/27/07

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing met on Tuesday, March 27, 2007 and reported out the following:

SR 45, PN 153:  The resolution urges the United States Congress to provide equitable funding to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development for quality affordable housing.  The bill went over as committed with a 9-0 vote.

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.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 7/1/04

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on July 1, 2004 and unanimously reported out the following bill as amended:

Senate Bill 1189 (Gordner) -- This bill provides for dispute resolution procedures relating to residential construction defects between homeowners and contractors.

Amendment 3005 (Dent) -- This amendment makes technical changes to the bill to mirror changes made to the House version of the bill, House Bill 2761.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/28/04

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Monday, June 28, 2004 and reported out the following bill as amended:

House Bill 2654 (J. Taylor) -- This bill amends Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) pertaining to Chapter 55 (Parking Authorities) and Chapter 57 (Taxicabs and Limousines in First Class Cities). The legislation also reenacts sections of Act 230 of 2002 that were included in Chapter 55 and Chapter 57. A 5-4 party-line vote was recorded.

A2423 (Dent) -- This is a technical amendment that simply clarifies language in the bill to address initial concerns raised by the City of Philadelphia. A 5-4 party-line vote was recorded.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/16/04

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 and reported out the following bills as committed:

Senate Bill 1147 (Greenleaf) -- This bill provides for the display of the American flag or military flag by residents in a unit owners association, homeowners association or master association. An 11-0 vote was recorded.

Senate Bill 1161 (Stack) -- This bill adds a setion to the First Class City Home Rule Act that provides for specific procedure that must be followed before Philadelphia can reduce or eliminate a fire company. A 9-2 vote was recorded.

House Bill 1487 (Ross) -- This bill amends the First Class City Government Law to repeal outdated provisions relating to the Department of Public Works and the Department of Supplies and Purchases. An 11-0 vote was recorded.

House Bill 1488 (Ross) -- This bill repeals an outdated act that fixed the salaries and compensation of employees in the Recorder of Deeds Office in Philadelphia County. An 11-0 vote was recorded.

House Bill 1929 (Perzel) -- This bill provides for the regulation of the installation of manufactured housing and for powers and duties DCED. An 11-0 vote was recorded.

 

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/9/04

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, June 9, 2004 and unanimously reported out the following bills as amended:

House Bill 1329 (T. Stevenson) -- This bill amends various sections of the Uniform Planned Communities Act (UPCA).

A2028 (Dent) -- This amendment makes technical changes regarding retroactivity to the bill.

House Bill 1330 (T. Stevenson) -- This bill amends various sections of the Real Estate Cooperative Act.

A1699 & A2033(Dent) -- These amendments makes technical changes to the bill.

House Bill 1330 (T. Stevenson) -- This bill amends various sections of the Uniform Condominium Act.

A2052(Dent) -- This amendment makes technical changes regarding retroactivity to the bill.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 3/29/04

The Urban Affairs & Housing Committee met on Monday March 29, 2004 and took the following action:

Reported Out as Committed

SR 212 (ORIE) -- This Resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to undertake a study of the Urban Redevelopment Authority of Pittsburgh and the Pittsburgh Development Fund.

VOTE:  7-3, with Ferlo, Kitchen and Stack voting no. 

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 1/26/04

The Urban Affairs & Housing Committee met on Monday, January 26, 2004 and took the following action:

HB 2027 (Roberts) -- An Act amending the Urban Redevelopment Law to provide for appointment and qualifications of members of an authority.

HB 1733 (D. Evans) An Act amending Title 53 (Municipalities Generally) and Title 64 (Public Authorities and Quasi-Public Corporations) to recodify provisions concerning the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority.

There were two amendments to HB 1733. One, offered by Sen. Dent, was a technical amendment. The other, by Sen. Stack, removed the Authority's ability to award construction or renovation contracts as single bid projects that need not comply with statues on procurement, HVAC as a separate contract, and certain issuance requirements, regardless of whether the state or municipality makes payments to the Authority for capital costs.

There were three dissenting votes to the latter amendment by Sens. Dent, Jubelirer and Earll.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 9/24/03

The Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Wednesday, September 24, 2003, and took the following action:

Reported Out as Amended (Unanimously)

HB 1426 (Keller) -- An Act amending the Urban Redevelopment Law (Act 385 of 1945), further providing for provisions of the redevelopment contract, and making repeals.             

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 3/26/03

The Senate Urban Affiars and Housing Committee met on March 26, 2003 and reported out the following bills:

Reported Out As Committed (Unanimously)

Senate Bill 371 (O’Pake) -- This legislation amends the Housing Authorities Law, further providing for award of contracts.  The bill increases the threshold amount from $10,000 to $25,000 for the award of contracts.

As Amended (Unanimously)

Senate Bill 508 (Dent) -- This bill amends the Municipal Claim and Tax Lien Law to provide for a 90 day redemption period for second class, second class A and third class cities, as currently exists under this law for second class counties.

A0249 (Dent) -- Technical Amendment

As Amended

Senate Bill 257 (Waugh) -- Amends the Landlaord and Tenant Act of 1951, further providing for writ of possession.

A 0215 (Waugh) -- Clarifies the legislative intent of the bill.

Negative Votes on Amendment- Kitchen and Stack

Negative Votes on Bill- Conti, Kitchen, and Stack

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 9/20/02

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Nov. 20, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Submitted (Unanimous)

House Bill 2892 (Kenney) -- This legislation amends the First Class City Business Tax Reform Act by changing the basis of the period for calculating the business tax and providing estimated payments of the business tax. 

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/10/01

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on June 10, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

SB 1372 (Fumo) -- This legislation amends Title 53 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for wage tax reduction.

SB 451 (Waugh) -- This amendment strikes all of the substantive language of Senate Bill 451, Printer’s Number 474, inserting language which accomplishes the following: it addresses the timeframe between the date of the judgement for possession and actual lockout, clarifies the time period after the writ of possession is served and the actual lockout of the tenant, and adds a new subsection which protects the tenant and requires the landlord to file an affidavit after the appeal period has run, certifying that the tenant has not paid the judgement amount plus costs, and has not filed an appeal.

No Votes- A.Williams, Kitchen, and Stack.

Passes as Submitted-

SB 1423 (Erickson) -- This legislation amends the Sterling Act, providing for crediting of certain taxes paid by nonresidents.

No Votes- Fumo, Kitchen, Stack, and A. Williams.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 6/4/01

The Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee met on Tuesday, June 4, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

House Bill 1952 (Habay) -- This legislation is part of the House "Urban Blight" package, and authorizes the Commonwealth and municipalities to take action to eradicate urban blight; and providing for liens and tax claim hardships. Amendments A2558, A 2559, and A2640 make substantial changes to the bill.

Amendment 4297 (Dent) -- Strikes all of the substantive language from the current printer’s number of Senate Bill 451, and inserts changes which do not change the substantive law relating to evictions, but merely streamlines the timing process for a writ of possession, and adds a new subsection which protects the tenant from an improper eviction.

URBAN AFFAIRS AND HOUSING COMMITTEE 3/26/01

The Senate Urban Affairs Committee met on Tuesday, March 26, 2002 and reported out the following bills:

As Amended (unanimously)

House Bill 1939 (Kenney) -- This legislation amends the First Class City Government Law (Act 274 of 1919), to authorize the denials of future municipal permits, licenses or approvals in Philadelphia, to applicants who own property.

This bill further provides that all municipal variances, approvals, permits or licenses may be withheld until such time as the applicant obtains a letter from the appropriate State agency municipality, and/or school district, indicating the property is not delinquent in tax or sewer charges, is now in code compliance, and has had substantial steps taken to bring the property code into compliance.

Amendment A 1057 -- This amendment makes technical changes to the legislation.

House Bill 1945 (Petrone) -- This legislation and its accompanying amendment (A 1058) echo the sentiment in House bill 939.