Pennsylvania HB 1446: An Act authorizing local taxing authorities to provide for tax exemptions for improvements and redevelopment of certain underutilized property ; establishing the Economic Development and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Advisory Committee within the State Planning Board; and conferring powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and Economic Development.

Bill Text

PRIOR PRINTER'S NO. 1691 PRINTER'S NO. 2024
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 1446
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SIEGEL, SCHLOSSBERG, KHAN, GIRAL, SANCHEZ, KUZMA,
KINKEAD, DONAHUE, HILL-EVANS, BOROWSKI AND INGLIS,
MAY 12, 2025
AS REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE ON LOCAL GOVERNMENT, HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES, AS AMENDED, JUNE 25, 2025
AN ACT
Authorizing local taxing authorities to provide for tax
exemptions for improvements and redevelopment of shopping
malls CERTAIN UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY; establishing the
Economic Development and Mixed-Use Redevelopment Advisory
Committee within the State Planning Board; and conferring
powers and imposing duties on the Department of Community and
Economic Development.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Short title.
This act shall be known and may be cited as the Economic
Development and Mixed-Use Redevelopment of Shopping Malls Act.
Section 2. Findings and declaration of policy.
It is determined and declared as a matter of legislative
finding that there exists in this Commonwealth a number of
underutilized shopping malls which PROPERTY THAT provide an
economic liability to the communities in which they sit ARE
LOCATED. It is in the public interest to promote redevelopment
of these large parcels UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTIES and return them <--
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to function in accordance with sound and approved plans for
their redevelopment that will promote public safety, convenience
and welfare.
Section 3. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this act shall
have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
"Attainable housing." Any of the following:
(1) A single-family residence that is subject to home
attainable deed restrictions and occupied by an individual or
family whose income is not more than 60% of the area median
gross income.
(2) A multiunit residential dwelling where at least a
percentage, as defined by the municipality, of the
residential units are:
(i) rent-restricted; and
(ii) occupied by an individual or family whose
income is not more than 60% of area median income.
"Board." The State Planning Board established by the act of
April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative
Code of 1929.
"BROWNFIELD." AN ABANDONED, IDLED OR UNDERUTILIZED
INDUSTRIAL AND COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OF WHICH EXPANSION OR
REDEVELOPMENT IS COMPLICATED BY THE PRESENCE OR POTENTIAL
PRESENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION.
"Committee." The Economic Development and Mixed-Use
Redevelopment Advisory Committee established by the board under
section 4.
"Department." The Department of Community and Economic
Development of the Commonwealth.
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"Developer." A taxpayer redeveloping a shopping mall AN
UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY for economic development and mixed-use
redevelopment purposes.
"Economic development." Creating the conditions for economic
growth and improved quality of life by expanding the capacity of
individuals, businesses and communities to maximize the use of
their talents and skills to support innovation, job creation and
private investment.
"Economic development and mixed-use redevelopment." An
urban, suburban, village development or single building that
combines residential, commercial, cultural, institutional or
industrial uses to provide efficiency for the community in terms
of space, transportation and economic development.
"GREYFIELD." A PROPERTY WITH COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT AND
PUBLIC UTILITIES THAT HAVE BECOME ABANDONED, IDLED OR
UNDERUTILIZED.
"Local taxing authority." A county, municipal corporation,
institution district or school district having authority to levy
real estate taxes.
"Municipal corporation." A city, borough, incorporated town
or township.
"Project agreement." An agreement between a developer and a
local taxing authority stating the terms and conditions of the
redevelopment of a shopping mall AN UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY
authorized by the local taxing authority for a tax exemption or
special tax provision under section 5.
"Property maintenance code." A municipal ordinance that
regulates the maintenance or development of real property. The
term includes a building code, zoning code, housing code and
public safety code.
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"Real estate tax." A tax on a homestead imposed or
authorized to be imposed by a local taxing authority.
"Redevelopment." Repair, construction or reconstruction,
including alterations and additions, having the effect of
rehabilitating a shopping mall AN UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY so that
the shopping mall UNDERUTILIZED PROPERTY attains higher
standards of safety, health, economic use or amenity or is
brought into compliance with laws, ordinanc