ADU Bill Moves Ahead in Harrisburg
Members of the PA Housing Choices Coalition hit the halls of Harrisburg on Wednesday, May 6th to talk with key decision makers about bills that would allow for Accessory Dwelling Units (HB2186) and reform outdated Occupancy laws (HB2109).
With only three session days scheduled in May, the Capitol was packed with other advocacy groups, school trips, and volunteers running around leading to long lines at security and a crowded Rotunda.
Coalition Members from Acorn Tiny Homes, 5th Square and 10,000 Friends met with Representative Webster (D-Montgomery Co)
Both HB 2186 and HB 2109 recently moved through the House Housing and Community Development committee last month and our members have been actively educating legislators and constituents about the two concepts.
Housing is unaffordable today because there are not enough homes to rent or buy that meet people’s needs and budgets. Not having enough homes to rent or buy creates bidding wars and drives up prices. Both the ADU and Occupancy reform or Golden Girls bills focus on creating housing options not currently available to most Pennsylvanians.
Shortly after we finished our last meetings on Wednesday afternoon, the House voted with bipartisan support to approve the ADU bill on second consideration with amendments (134-67). This means, HB 2186 is one step away from passing the full House before going on to the Senate for consideration. Also encouraging: HB 2109 was removed from the table this week, meaning that it is now up for consideration, positioning it for a potential vote when the legislature reconvenes in June.
Coalition Members from Montco 30% and HDC Mid Atlantic met with Representative Mazzocco (D-Allegheny Co.)
We are thankful for the leadership of Representative Inglis and Khan as prime sponsors of the ADU and Golden Girls bills. Their work, along with the co-sponsors for each bill, has demonstrated the true bipartisan nature of the housing affordability crisis.
Thank you to all the coalition members who joined us for a successful advocacy day. If you want to get involved or learn more about the work of the PA Housing Choices Coalition, reach out to coalition@10000friends.org for more information.