Baker: Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA

HARRISBURG - The Senate acted to help alleviate Pennsylvania's growing housing shortage by approving three bills to expand access to housing while preserving local control, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) announced today.

"Pennsylvania's housing shortage is making it harder for families, young professionals and seniors to find homes that meet their needs," said Baker. "These bills take a practical approach to removing barriers that slow housing development, helping communities create more housing opportunities while maintaining local oversight. By making the permitting and approval process more efficient, we can support responsible growth and expand access to attainable housing across the commonwealth."

The Senate approved the following bills:

Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process.

Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process.

Senate Bill 1281 streamlines municipal approval processes using pre-approved housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape.

These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania's housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities.

The bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration.