Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Briggs-sponsored bill to simplify transfer of property to loved ones passes House

Briggs-sponsored bill to simplify transfer of property to loved ones passes House

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    October 15, 2026 | 9:50 AM

HARRISBURG, Oct. 15 – Legislation sponsored by state Rep. Tim Briggs to give Pennsylvanians more flexibility in planning for the future of their property has passed the House and now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

House Bill 2124 would allow property owners to name a loved one or other beneficiary to receive their home or other real estate after their death through a transfer-on-death deed. The deed could be changed or revoked during the owner’s lifetime.

“Planning for the future and making sure our loved ones are taken care of should be as straightforward as possible,” Briggs said. “This legislation would give Pennsylvanians another tool to make their wishes known and transfer property to the people they choose, while reducing the need for a potentially lengthy and costly probate process.”

Under the bill, property owners could record a transfer-on-death deed with the county recorder of deeds where the property is located. The deed would designate who receives the property upon the owner's death, provided the designated beneficiary survives the owner.

The legislation also includes important protections for property owners. A transfer-on-death deed would be revocable during the owner's lifetime and would not prevent the owner from selling, transferring or otherwise dealing with the property. The designated beneficiary would have no ownership interest in the property while the owner is alive.

The bill also includes safeguards to make sure property owners remain in control of their property during their lifetime and that their wishes are followed after they die. It addresses situations such as jointly owned property, beneficiaries who die before the property owner, and the rights of surviving spouses.

“This bill gives Pennsylvanians another option for passing their property on to the people they choose,” Briggs said. “It can make it easier for families to plan ahead, make their wishes clear and avoid some of the complications that can come with probate.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.

Briggs represents the 149th Legislative District, which includes Bridgeport, West Conshohocken, Upper Merion and parts of Lower Merion in Montgomery County.

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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net