Twardzik’s blight bill moves out of committee
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL FILE - A building on West Arlington Street, owned by a South Carolina woman, is seen collapsing on March 28, 2023.
HARRISBURG – A state house committee has advanced a local legislator’s bill aimed at helping municipalities combat blight.
Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Butler Township) introduced House Bill 1020, which would allow municipalities to establish and require a vacant or blighted property registry. The registration process would provide key information about the property owner and include a registration fee.
“The goal of this legislation is to give municipalities the ability to take action on vacant and blighted properties that are negatively impacting communities,” said Twardzik. “This bill provides a clear path for property owners to take responsibility and ensures local governments have the tools they need to address these issues efficiently.”
Under the legislation, when a property is found in violation of municipal code, the property owner has one year to bring the property up to code or sell it to someone who will bring it into compliance. If the violation persists after one year, a registration fee would be imposed.
It also includes exemptions for properties owned by active-duty military members and properties where active construction or renovation is underway.
The bill passed the House Local Government Committee and moves to the full house for consideration.
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