Legislative Priorities
PAR monitors hundreds of bills impacting real estate and property owners each legislative session, advocating for policies that positively impact the real estate industry and consumers.
2025-2026 Legislative Session
The Pennsylvania General Assembly will kick off its new legislative session with Inauguration Day on Jan. 7, 2025. The makeup of the assembly is slated to remain virtually the same, with House Democrats retaining their one-seat majority and Senate Republicans retaining their six-seat majority. With elections in the rearview, lawmakers will have to navigate the political waters to negotiate all the hard-hitting issues that matter to Pennsylvanians.
In addition, Pennsylvania’s political climate will be influenced by key changes in leadership, specifically among House Republicans. Rep. Jesse Topper (R-Bedford) will lead the Republican House Caucus. This new leadership will navigate negotiating with a seasoned leadership team within the House Democrats and the Senate Chamber.
PAR will continue to monitor all legislation during this session as it advocates for homeownership across the commonwealth.
2023-2024 Legislative Session
30
legislative committee meetings
35
bills considered
20
bills supported
6
supported bills signed into law
Key Legislation PAR is Monitoring
Taxes
Taxes related to real estate transactions, such as the realty transfer tax, and those associated with homeownership, such as the property tax, are a major burden to buyers and homeowners alike. An increase in any industry-related tax would have a negative impact on housing costs and the industry as a whole.
Professionalism and Practice
The Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) governs the practice of real estate licensees in the Commonwealth and protects consumers who work with real estate licensees. It is incumbent upon the association to enact laws that enhance the industry, both for its members and for consumers.
Housing
An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households across the U.S. pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes on housing. It is vital that the association play a role in ensuring that housing of all types is available at all income levels and that programs are available to help homeowners achieve the dream of homeownership. The association must also contribute to the creation of revitalized communities while maintaining private property rights.
Local Issues
While municipalities in Pennsylvania have the authority to enact local ordinances on such issues as the registration of tenants, sewage lateral inspections, and installation of residential sprinkler systems, it is important for the association to monitor these ordinances in order to forestall any pending statewide implementation.
Past Legislative Priorities
Session 2023-2024
Residential Wholesaling
On July 8, Governor Josh Shapiro signed into law Act 52 of 2024, formerly Senate Bill 1173. This bill was a key priority for the PAR Legislative Committee and based on recommendations of a PAR-member task force.
SB 1173 requires those conducting residential wholesaling in the commonwealth to obtain a real estate salesperson license under the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA). Additionally, this bill ensures that consumers are made aware they are engaging in a wholesale transaction by receiving proper disclosures.
Read more about this priority on JustListed.
Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act
House Bill 1567 was signed into law on Oct. 2 as Act 93 of 2024. PAR’s Legislative Committee voted to make House Bill 1567 (Malagari, D-Montgomery) priority legislation after its introduction in June.
HB 1567, introduced by Realtor® champion Rep. Steven Malagari from Montgomery County, clarifies the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act (MCOCA) to ensure property transfers are not arbitrarily stopped by municipalities or their components or result in the displacement of renters from properties that are changing ownership. It further clarifies that temporary use permits can still be issued for renter-occupied property transfers, ensuring existing renters are not displaced due to minor code violations.
Session 2021-2022
Private Roadway Maintenance Agreements
HB 523 was signed into law as Act 75 of 2021. This law requires homeowners that access their properties through a private road to contribute to maintenance of the road. Read more about private roadway maintenance agreements.
Livestream Real Estate Education
HB 1849 was signed into law as Act 25 of 2022. This law permits real estate education providers to livestream remotely to students. Read more about livestream continuing education.
1031 Like-kind Exchanges
HB 1342 was signed into law as Act 52 of 2022. This law allows investors to exchange investment property for another similar property, deferring on capital gains at the time of the swap. Read more about 1031 like-kind exchanges.
