Twardzik’s Blight Reduction Bill Advances

April 10, 2025

HARRISBURG – Continuing his commitment to combating blight in Schuylkill County and throughout the Commonwealth, Rep. Tim Twardzik (R-Schuylkill) announced today that his bill requiring the registration of vacant and blighted properties has been approved by the House Local Government Committee.

House Bill 1020 aims to provide municipalities with the tools to combat blight by requiring owners of vacant or blighted properties to register those properties with local authorities. This registration process would provide key information about the property owner and would include a registration fee.

“The goal of this legislation is to give municipalities the ability to take action on vacant and blighted properties that are negatively impacting communities,” said Twardzik. “This bill provides a clear path for property owners to take responsibility and ensures local governments have the tools they need to address these issues efficiently.”

Under the legislation, when a property is found in violation of municipal code, the property owner has one year to bring the property up to code or sell it to someone who will bring it into compliance. If the violation persists after one year, a registration fee would be imposed.

House Bill 1020 also includes exemptions for properties owned by active-duty military members and those where active construction or renovation is underway.

The bill is now set to move to the full House for consideration.

Representative Tim Twardzik
123rd Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Will Jones
717.260.6615
wjones@pahousegop.com
RepTimTwardzik.com / Facebook.com/RepTwardzik