Legislation

City Introduces Revised Civil Service Residence Rule

New city employees must now establish their residence in Philadelphia within six months of starting work, no longer requiring a one-year residency history before being hired through civil service.

220912

City Council Proposes Major Overhaul of Eviction Diversion Program Requirements for Landlords and Tenants

New Proposal Could Cut Homeless Shelter Stays in Half by Limiting How Long Tenants Can Be Forced to Live in Unclear Eviction Status. Under the plan, families stuck in shelters waiting for their evictions to be resolved would be eligible for a guaranteed spot in temporary housing within five days.

220655

Philadelphia Code Gets New Chapter Protecting Reproductive Healthcare Privacy

This bill adds a new chapter to Philadelphia's code that protects the privacy of individuals seeking reproductive healthcare and related information.

220656-A

Prison Oversight Board Proposal Heads to Philly Ballot in May 2023 Special Election

Philly voters will weigh in on creating an independent Prison Oversight Board with powers determined by City Council at a May 2023 special election, thanks to a City Council proposal.

220635

City Council Proposes Steep Hike in Real Estate Taxes to Fund City Services and Schools This Year

Philadelphia homeowners can expect to pay higher real estate taxes starting next year, with city tax rates increasing to 57.19 cents per $100 of assessed value and school district tax rates rising to 82.79 cents per $100 of assessed value.

220578

Philadelphia Council Votes To Toughen Water Quality Inspections For City Buildings Daily

Landlords must now pay $500 fines if their properties fail water quality inspections, a move aimed at protecting tenants from lead contamination in over 13,000 Philadelphia rental units.

220415

Philadelphia Employers with 50+ Workers Must Offer Pre-Tax Transit Benefit Programs

Thousands of Philly commuters will soon be able to save hundreds on their daily commute as local employers are required to start offering tax-free benefits for public transportation and bike rides starting next month, impacting over 120,000 city workers.

220337

City Council Moves to Boost Benefits Transparency for Philly Foster Youth Amid System Overhaul

Philadelphia City Council Takes Aim at Congested Streets with New Parking Permit Rules A proposed measure would impose stricter parking permit regulations on certain residential streets, potentially reducing congestion but raising concerns from some property owners about fairness and enforcement.

220239

Philadelphia Schools Mandated to Install Drinking Fountains and Filtered Water Dispensers Citywide Starting This Fall

Philadelphia schools are getting a major hydration boost as a new city council law takes effect this fall, requiring thousands of new drinking fountains and water dispensers to quench students' thirst throughout the school year. The move aims to tackle water quality concerns in Philly's aging school buildings.

220221-A

Council proposes bill to identify environmental justice communities in permit reviews

Philadelphia officials will be required to consider health risks when reviewing permits in "environmental justice communities" under proposed reforms aimed at protecting vulnerable neighborhoods. The changes would also boost transparency around city environmental efforts.

220078

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Landlord-Tenant Eviction Diversion Program Amid Rent Relief Concerns Rise

Philadelphia homeowners could be forced to wait up to six months for a property tax refund under a proposed City Council bill that aims to streamline the refund process for delinquent payments. Homeowners who pay in full will still get priority, but others may face long delays.

210920

City Council Approves Moratorium on Evictions as City Awaits Federal Aid Amid Ongoing Pandemic Crisis

Philadelphia homeowners will face significant increases in property taxes next year under a new assessment formula approved by City Council, which critics say will disproportionately harm low-income neighborhoods and small business owners.

200616

Philadelphia Hotels Forced to Rehire Laid-Off Workers as Jobs Open Up Citywide

Philadelphia Residents May Pay More for Parking Due to New Fees on Residential Lots; Council Proposes Charging Non-Renal Lot Owners $200 Annual Fee to Curb Unfair Advantage.

200557

Philadelphia Police Must Obtain Permission Before Using Less Lethal Devices at Public Protests and Demonstrations

At public gatherings like Black Lives Matter rallies and Eagles game tailgaters, police would need to clear their plan with a supervisor before using pepper spray or rubber bullets under new council proposal. This change aims to prevent overuse of force.

200538

City Council Passes Emergency Eviction Relief Bill for Tenants Amid Ongoing COVID-19 Crisis Restrictions

Philadelphia City Council has passed a bill providing temporary eviction relief to residential and commercial tenants, limiting evictions to cases where there is an imminent threat of harm due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

200414

Philadelphia Mandates Protections for Employees Disclosing COVID-19 Health Order Non-Compliance

Philadelphia City Council Proposes Tougher Penalties for Business Owners Who Put Workers at Risk, Shielding Whistleblowers and Protesting Employees From Retaliation Amid COVID-19 Crisis.

200328

Landlords and Tenants Get Pandemic Relief as City Council Introduces New Eviction Diverstion Rules

New Proposal Would Give Philly Renters a Break, Waiving 20% of Unpaid Back Rents During Pandemic Relief Period, But Landlords Must Agree to Participate.

200294

City Council Bill Aims to Offer Eviction Relief to Tenants Struggling Amid Ongoing COVID 19 Crisis in Philadelphia

Renters facing eviction would get a reprieve from March to December under proposed city law, while landlords could still collect partial payments on back rent owed by struggling tenants.

200295

Fair Housing Commission procedures clarified and authority expanded in new city law.

Fair housing advocates are celebrating a proposed overhaul of Philadelphia's Fair Housing Commission, which would give the agency more power to enforce anti-discrimination laws and better protect vulnerable renters and homeowners.

200159

Philadelphia Demands Safety Plans from New Youth Residential Facilities Before Doors Open to Minors

New residential facilities housing Philadelphia youth must submit a detailed "Opening Plan" for approval before opening, prioritizing the minors' health, safety, and well-being.

200083