What happened: A bipartisan package of housing supply bills has been advancing through both chambers this month, backed by Governor Shapiro’s February goal of 450,000 new housing units in Pennsylvania by 2035. Several bills have passed at least one chamber and are awaiting action in the other.
Bills now in the Senate:
- Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): Passed the House June 1, sponsored by Rep. John Inglis (D-Allegheny). Would allow accessory dwelling units — backyard cottages, garage apartments, in-law suites — in single-family zoned areas without additional local review.
- “Golden Girls” bill: Passed the House, sponsored by Rep. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia). Would raise the cap on unrelated people allowed to live together from the current limit to five, addressing an underutilized form of informal affordable housing.
- Also advancing in the Senate: The Senate Housing Committee advanced a grant program for communities near economic development projects that adopt pro-housing policies, along with smaller bills on tax abatements, permitting assistance, and first-time homebuyer savings accounts. A Senate resolution directing a study of Pennsylvania’s Municipalities Planning Code — last substantially updated more than 20 years ago — was approved, with recommendations due in mid-October.
Bills now in the House:
- Accelerated approval process: Senate bill from Sen. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland), passed the Senate in early June. Would create a fast-track state approval process for housing developments in areas already zoned residential and served by public utilities, bypassing local land-use plans.
Why it matters for nonprofits: Nonprofits working in affordable housing, homelessness services, and community development have a direct stake in the housing supply package. More housing units — particularly affordable and accessible units — reduces the pressure on emergency shelter, transitional housing, and housing navigation programs. The ADU bill and the “Golden Girls” bill in particular could expand naturally affordable housing options in existing neighborhoods without new construction costs. Organizations doing housing-related work should be tracking these bills and engaging their senators on the ADU and “Golden Girls” bills in particular, both of which are now awaiting Senate action.
