News & Resources
BIA Government Affairs Committee Report
While the Administration and City Council have been focused on the Sixers arena much of this session, there are still several bills the BIA is tracking:
Bill 240304 would require applicants to name adjacent property owners as “additional insured.” The BIA is still monitoring this bill and discussed the implications with insurance brokers in our membership.
Bill 240427 would discourage and eventually eliminate non-conforming uses and structures. The BIA opposed this legislation but it is currently on the final passage calendar.
Bill 240674 has been enacted and creates requirements related to the operation and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations. The BIA did not take a significant position on this bill but is strongly opposed to Bill No. 241064, which significantly increases zoning requirements for EVs, along with the associated costs as a result. The BIA had the opportunity to review a draft, meet with the sponsor, and submit a memo outlining our concerns before it was introduced. Although the final bill was amended slightly, the impacts on project feasibility remain. The BIA will continue to monitor and oppose the bill in its current form.
Bill 240823 as amended was unanimously passed by City Council and adds prohibitions and penalties related to anti-competitive rental practices. The BIA was strongly opposed to this bill until the sponsor accepted the suggested amendments that the BIA drafted along with a coalition of other real estate industry groups.
Bill 240098 is being held in committee, but would add requirements for Economic Opportunity Plan approval. The BIA is opposed to this legislation in its current form.
We also reviewed proposed changes to the Philadelphia Plumbing Code and testified in support of the code at the Plumbing Advisory Board public hearing on November 7.
At the state level, the BIA is actively monitoring SB1230 and advocating for additional time to amend the bill. Suggested BIA amendments to the residential construction and consumer protection bills are under consideration, although the bills will not move this session.