HARRISBURG – The Senate Urban Affairs Committee today has unanimously advanced Senate Bill 979, also known as the Reinvestment in Housing Act, sponsored by Sen. Rosemary M. Brown (R-40).
The legislation encourages Pennsylvanians to reinvest in their homes without facing an immediate increase in property taxes. Under current law, home improvements can trigger a reassessment, resulting in higher tax bills. This unintended consequence often discourages homeowners from making upgrades that improve both their property and the surrounding community.
“This bill is about making sure homeowners aren’t penalized for maintaining and improving their homes,” said Brown. “Investing in our homes enhances quality of life, supports local economies, and helps combat blight. We should encourage that.”
Senate Bill 979 would prohibit a reassessment if the value of improvements is equal to or less than 20% of the home’s current assessed value. To ensure responsible use of the policy:
- The property must be a primary residence.
- The homeowner must have lived in the home for at least five years.
- The benefit may only be used once during the lifetime ownership of the property.
“This simply prevents an individual reassessment tied directly to modest improvements,” Brown said. “This is a smart, simple tool to support community revitalization, promote responsible homeownership and strengthen neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.”
The legislation would not impact county-wide reassessments or those that occur as a result of a property sale.
Senate Bill 979 now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
CONTACT: Mackenzie Mueller