Legislative Priorities
Priority Level 1

PAR will aggressively pursue a legislative or regulatory initiative in this top category because of its significant and direct impact on the real estate industry. PAR will use all necessary staff and volunteer resources to pass or defeat the initiative.

  • Core Issue: Taxes – Taxes relative to the real estate transaction, such as the realty transfer tax, and those associated with homeownership, such as the property tax, are a major burden to buyers and homeowners alike. An increase in any industry-related tax would have a negative impact on housing costs and the industry as a whole.
  • Core Issue: Practice and Professionalism - The Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act (RELRA) governs the practice of real estate licensees in the Commonwealth and serves to protect consumers who work with real estate licensees. It is incumbent upon the association to enact laws that enhance the industry, both for its members and for consumers.
 
Priority Level 2
PAR will address these legislative or regulatory initiatives because they impact a broad segment of the industry and they may move or pass during the current session. PAR will useappropriate staff and volunteers resources to support or oppose the initiative if they do not interfere with Priority 1 issues.

  • Core Issue: Housing – An estimated 12 million renter and homeowner households across the U.S. pay more than 50 percent of their annual incomes on housing. It is vital that the association play a role in helping to ensure that housing of all types is available at all income levels, and that programs are available to help homeowners achieve the dream of homeownership. The association must also contribute to the creation of revitalized communities while maintaining private property rights.
  • Core Issue: Local Issues - While municipalities in Pennsylvania have the authority to enact local ordinances on such issues as the registration of tenants, sewage lateral inspections, and installation of residential sprinkler systems, it is important for the association to monitor these ordinances in order to forestall any pending statewide implementation.
 
Priority Level 3
PAR will appropriately address these issues that impact a narrower industry segment than Priority 2 issues if they are expected to move or pass during the current session. PAR will use appropriate staff and volunteer resources to support or oppose the initiative if they do not interfere with Priority 1 or 2 issues.
 
Priority Level 4

PAR will begin considering issues that are not expected to be enacted or implemented during the upcoming session but are identified as important for the future by conducting forums, task forces, and work groups to educate members before legislative or regulatory action is formulated.

Contact: Derenda Updegrave, Director, Public Policy & Political Affairs.

Upcoming Events

February 22, 2012
Date: February 22 - 23, 2012
Date: February 22, 2012 Time: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm