Pennsylvania HB 515: An Act prohibiting restrictions on household appliances by Commonwealth agencies and municipalities; and providing for civil actions authorized.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 497
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No. 515
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY CAUSER, PICKETT, GREINER, STAMBAUGH, M. BROWN,
BANTA, JAMES, HAMM, WARNER, COOPER, KAUFFMAN, STENDER, KUZMA,
RAPP, ROWE, BARTON, SMITH, ZIMMERMAN AND BASHLINE,
FEBRUARY 5, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON ENERGY, FEBRUARY 5, 2025
AN ACT
Prohibiting restrictions on household appliances by Commonwealth
agencies and municipalities; and providing for civil actions
authorized.
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 Household
Appliance Freedom Act.
Section 2. 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:
"Commonwealth agency." Any office, department, authority,
board, multistate agency or commission of the executive branch.
"Municipality." Any of the following:
(1) A county, city, borough, incorporated town or
township.
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(2) A home rule, optional plan or optional charter
municipality.
(3) Any other general purpose unit of government
established by the General Assembly.
(4) A municipal authority.
(5) An entity formed under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 23 Subch. A
(relating to intergovernmental cooperation).
"Policy." A requirement, including a zoning or building code
requirement or restriction, which is imposed by statute
regulation, ordinance, resolution, rule, guideline, code,
general or specific plan provision or otherwise.
Section 3. Prohibition on restrictions on household appliances.
A Commonwealth agency or municipality may not adopt a policy
to prohibit the sale, installation or use of any of the
following:
(1) Natural gas-powered home heating equipment.
(2) Natural gas-powered home appliances.
(3) Grills, stoves and other food preparation appliances
designed to be used outdoors.
(4) Natural gas powered-torches, lamps and other
features designed to be used outdoors.
(5) Any other home or outdoor appliances or heating
equipment powered by a specific energy source.
Section 4. Civil actions authorized.
A person who alleges a violation of section 3 may bring a
civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction for injunctive
relief or other appropriate damages within 180 days after the
occurrence of the alleged violation.
Section 5. Effective date.
This act shall take effect in 60 days.
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