Business & Tech

PA Senate To Consider Bill To Reopen Real Estate Industry

Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing legislation that would permit the state's real estate industry to reopen amid the coronavirus closures.

HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania lawmakers are pushing legislation that would permit the state's real estate industry to reopen.

The House this week passed a bill that would require the Department of Community and Economic Development to issue a waiver to the COVID-19 Business Closure Order to allow the real estate industry to resume, provided safe social distancing measures are in place.

House Bill 2412 is sponsored by Rep. Todd Polinchock (R-Bucks).

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“It only makes sense that we should allow people of the Commonwealth access to housing, as food and shelter are two of the most important securities we have,” Polinchock said in a statement. “Real estate licensees have the ability to abide by and adhere to guidelines and restrictions outlined by the CDC during these transactions in order to stay safe.”

The Pennsylvania housing market has been "devastated" by the shutdowns, Polinchock said.

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"Real estate professionals, along with their families and clients across the state have been struggling to understand why they are unable to settle housing concerns, while 48 other states have lifted this restriction," his statement said.

The state Senate will now consider the measure.

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