House passes Markosek bill to help communities target blighted properties
Rep. Brandon Markosek May 12, 2025 | 3:42 PM
HARRISBURG, May 12 – Legislation that would give communities across the state a new tool to combat blight and hold absentee property owners accountable passed the state House of Representatives, according to the bill’s author, state Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny.
Markosek, who also chairs the House Housing and Community Development Committee, said H.B. 1062 would establish a statewide database that tracks serious property maintenance code violations reported by municipalities. The registry, which would be managed by the state Department of Community and Economic Development, would be accessible publicly and help identify blighted properties and absentee landlords across the state. Municipal participation in the registry is optional.
“Blight hurts every type of community in Pennsylvania, from rural areas to Main Street business districts,” Markosek said. “It weakens property values, drives away investment, and disrupts neighborhoods. But when communities address blight head-on, they can stabilize neighborhoods, renew interest from property owners and developers and attract small businesses and new housing.”
Markosek added that the registry would help municipalities and state agencies identify and respond to patterns of neglect from landlords. Properties with serious violations unresolved for more than a year may also be subject to a $1,000 penalty, with proceeds used to maintain the database.
“Right now, bad actors are leaving communities with vacant and dangerous properties,” Markosek said. “This legislation is about giving local governments the tools they need to clean up neighborhoods and protect the people who live there.”
The bill now heads to the state Senate for consideration.
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