April 2025 | Legislative Update

State Legislative Update: New and Upcoming Developments 

State Legislative Update: New and Upcoming Developments 

Legislation to provide second chances to tenants by sealing eviction records was introduced in the House and Senate. 

• Why does this matter?
  • Everyone deserves a chance to raise their family in a decent neighborhood close to good schools. Eviction filings remain on a tenant’s record for their entire lifetime, making it more difficult for them to find a new home in a decent neighborhood. 
  • This legislation would seal eviction records after seven years.
  • To learn more about the issue:
    • Limited Access Fact Sheet
    • Visit our legislative page 

Other highlights and action items: 

• On March 26th, the Housing Alliance and several individuals representing organizations working across the state were in Harrisburg to speak with legislators about the importance of a state investment in homeless prevention by preventing evictions when tenants get behind in paying their rent.
  • Thanks to the Pennsylvania Apartment Association for their support of this proposal.
  • To take action, you can do the following:
    • Learn more about the proposal
    • Sign on in support; click here.   
• Also coming up…We will be in Harrisburg advocatingfor an increase in essential home repair funds on June 4th.
  • Why does this matter?
  • Many Pennsylvania homeowners cannot afford critical home repairs, threatening both their financial stability and health. Without support, neglected repairs can escalate into greater costs over time. As Pennsylvania faces more extreme heat and heavier rainfall, inadequate cooling systems, flooding, and mold damage will put even more households at risk unless essential repairs are addressed.
  • The Whole Home Repair program was a critical first step to ensuring a statewide resource for critical home repairs. There must be additional funding for homeowners, landlords, and renters. 
• And last but not least, to support statewide zoning policy reform, we are seeking specific local examples of how a lack of statewide zoning standards increases cost and unnecessary regulation.
  • We are partnering with the PA Housing Choices Coalition and 10,000 Friends of Pennsylvania in this effort. You can visit our website for more information and to find out how to sign up for the campaign. 

For more information about these policy initiatives, visit Our Top Priorities, Legislation Moving Now, and Bills to Watch.  It covers most of the state bills related to housing and homelessness that have been introduced and / or are currently moving through committees.