HARRISBURG, PA — A legislative measure designed to help seniors and incapacitated individuals avoid losing their homes due to unpaid property taxes has moved one step closer to becoming law. House Bill 96, introduced by State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, was unanimously approved by the state House Commerce Committee on Tuesday, April 8.
The bill proposes a solution for at-risk taxpayers by allowing them to designate a trusted individual to receive notifications when property taxes go delinquent and the property faces the risk of a sheriff’s sale.
“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” said Pielli. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated… Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired that they were unable to keep up with payments.”
Pielli emphasized that House Bill 96 aims to ensure these vulnerable individuals do not face the threat of losing their homes due to conditions that hinder their ability to manage routine financial responsibilities.
Following its approval in committee, the measure will now advance to the full House for consideration. If enacted, the legislation would provide a critical safeguard for Pennsylvania residents facing barriers to managing their property tax obligations.
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