HARRISBURG, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro signed three pivotal bills into law on Wednesday, bringing significant changes to tenant rights, the compensation framework for township supervisors, and setting the state’s capital budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
House Bill 1567, now Act No. 93 of 2024, introduces crucial amendments to the Municipal Code and Ordinance Compliance Act. Previously, tenants in Pennsylvania were compelled to vacate their rental properties during the rectification of property violations, often leading to considerable personal distress and financial strain as they sought alternative accommodations. The new legislation provides tenants the right to remain in their homes while repairs are underway, contingent on the property’s safety and habitability as determined by a municipal code enforcement officer. Additionally, tenants can exercise their rights under the City Rent Withholding Act, allowing them to withhold rent during this period. However, this provision strictly prohibits new tenants from moving into properties that hold a temporary access certificate and are under repair. This change aims to balance tenant protection with public safety concerns.
The passage of House Bill 2288, now Act No. 94 of 2024, addresses long-overdue reforms in the compensation of township supervisors under The Second Class Township Code. The act lifts the outdated cap on supervisor compensation, which had remained unchanged since 1995. Smaller townships were previously restricted to compensating supervisors at $1,875 annually, with larger townships capped at $5,000. The legislation does not mandate salary increases but empowers local governments to adjust compensation as deemed appropriate. This change acknowledges the extensive commitments made by supervisors to enhance community living standards without imposing a uniform financial burden on township budgets…