Pielli re-introduces bill to help seniors stay in their homes

Rep. Chris Pielli    January 13, 2025 | 9:48 AM

WEST CHESTER, Jan. 13 – State Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, is re-introducing his legislation to help seniors stay in their homes.

House Bill 96 would create an option for older adults and incapacitated individuals to designate an individual to receive notice when property taxes are delinquent, and the property is at risk for a sheriff sale.

“As a former court-appointed guardianship attorney, I saw clients who lost their homes as a result of unpaid property taxes,” Pielli said. “Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance. Tragically, these same individuals sometimes had the financial means but were so impaired that they were unable to keep up with payments. It is simply unfair to have these folks lose their homes. This bill helps avoid the sad occurrence of missed property tax payments for those who are aging and might be suffering from any number of conditions that hinders their ability to regularly pay bills.”

Pielli introduced this bill as H.B. 1646 during the 2023-2024 Legislative Session. The bill passed the House with a bipartisan 199-2 margin on March 18, 2024. It was then referred to the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, where it received no further votes.