HARRISBURG, PA — Legislation that would allow older adults and incapacitated individuals to designate a third party to receive notice of delinquent property taxes before a sheriff’s sale has passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and is awaiting Gov. Josh Shapiro’s signature.
House Bill 96, introduced by state Rep. Chris Pielli, D-Chester, aims to reduce the risk of vulnerable property owners losing their homes because unpaid tax bills go unnoticed, according to the lawmaker.
Under the bill, eligible homeowners could designate another person to receive notification if property taxes become delinquent and the property faces a potential sheriff’s sale.
Pielli indicated the proposal grew out of his experience as a court-appointed guardianship attorney, where he encountered clients who lost their homes despite having the financial resources to pay their taxes.
“Too often, these were individuals with cognitive impairment or those who were otherwise incapacitated and could not pay tax bills without assistance,” Pielli stated.
He added that some homeowners had sufficient assets but were unable to manage routine financial obligations because of physical or cognitive limitations.
“My bill helps to prevent overdue tax payments for those who may be suffering from any number of conditions that hinder their ability to regularly pay bills,” Pielli stated.
The measure received unanimous approval in both the Pennsylvania House and Senate and now awaits action by the governor.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.