Senate Committee Approves Measure to Provide Tax Credits to Homeowners Who Improve Access for Those With Disabilities

HARRISBURG -- The Senate Local Government Committee approved legislation today that would provide local taxing authorities with the option to offer special tax credits to residential owners that adopt visitability design features on their properties.

Senate Bill 1158, introduced by Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29), is known as the Residential Visitability Design Tax Credit Act.

"To me, this legislation is a matter of fairness and accessibility," said Rhoades. "It will allow local municipalities, at their discretion, to provide homeowners with an incentive to make their properties more accessible for the disabled and elderly."

"Once again, Senator Rhoades is on the forefront of accessibility issues in the Commonwealth," said John Tassone, Training Coordinator for Transportation Alliance. "Senator Rhoades has been a true champion for persons with disabilities and I commend him on his vision and leadership with this legislation."

The legislation would also establish minimum, uniform design standards that will enhance both access and usability for visitors and residents with significant mobility impairment, Rhoades said.

"It is important to note that this legislation would not mandate any provisions of this legislation on our local municipalities," said Rhoades.

Rhoades went on to say that if the municipality chooses to offer the tax credit, it will be limited to any new or renovated dwelling that contains visitability design features which will enhance the usability of the dwelling for persons with disabilities. Additionally, the tax credit will be determined by the governing body and will not exceed $2,500 total over a period of five years.

"For many years, I have worked with disability coalitions and people with disabilities and I have seen true advocates in action," said Rhoades. "I was more than pleased to sponsor this important legislation."

Senate Bill 1158 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.