PA House OKs Williams bill to help municipalities fight blight by tightening LLC permit rules

Rep. Dan Williams April 22, 2025 | 3:24 PM

HARRISBURG, April 22 – Legislation introduced by state Rep. Dan Williams to give local governments the tools they need to fight blight in their communities passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today.

“Every struggling community in Pennsylvania wants to fight blight and revitalize their neighborhoods. That revitalization includes ensuring there are safe, quality buildings owned by a reliable tax base,” Williams said.

Williams said that while a municipality has the authority to deny permits to those who are delinquent on their taxes, a loophole exists that allows individuals with delinquent taxes to use limited liability companies to obtain permits. Even if a principal owner of an LLC is behind on taxes, municipalities may still be required to issue permits under current law.

House Bill 316 would put an end to the disingenuous practice, giving local governments the power to deny a permit to LLCs or corporations if they or any of their principal owners have tax delinquencies in the municipality.

“It’s time we stop bad actors from exploiting this gap in the law and give local governments the ability to ensure revitalization that will benefit the community for years to come,” Williams said.

The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.

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