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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 visitablity 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.
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