Major Bill to Update Land Banks Becomes Law
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Abby Major (R-Armstrong/Indiana/Butler) to change the definition of meeting a quorum for land bank board meetings to include virtual and physical attendees and make other land bank updates was signed into law by the governor.
“This law will allow land bank boards to move into the 21st century for meetings,” Major said. “The pandemic has shown us that virtual meetings are an effective way to conduct business. Due to busy lives, boards like this sometimes have difficulty reaching a quorum. This update will allow board members to join in no matter where they are physically.”
Act 125 of 2022 allows for land bank boards to count both virtual and physical attendees for a quorum. Land banks are used by municipalities to facilitate the return of vacant, abandoned and tax-delinquent properties to productive use. The new law also allows land banks to enter into partnerships, joint ventures and other collaborations for the conversion of blighted properties to housing for homeless individuals. Finally, the law exempts land bank transfers from state or local realty transfer tax.
“While this bill has a very narrow scope, it is an honor to have a piece of legislation become law in my first session as a legislator,” Major added. “I look forward to having the opportunity to tackle other issues in the future.”
Until Nov. 30, the 60th Legislative District includes Bethel, Boggs, Burrell, Cadogan, East Franklin, Gilpin, Kiskiminetas, Kittanning, Manor, North Buffalo, Rayburn, South Bend, South Buffalo, Valley and West Franklin townships and the boroughs of Applewold, Ford City, Ford Cliff, Freeport, Kittanning, Manorville, North Apollo, West Kittanning and Worthington in Armstrong County; Buffalo and Winfield townships in Butler County and Blacklick, Conemaugh and Young townships in Indiana County.