State Rep. Perry Warren, D-Bucks, today announced the passage by the House of Representatives of his legislation which would protect Pennsylvania homebuyers by requiring the disclosure of flood-related risks during residential real estate transactions.
House Bill 1704, introduced by Warren, passed the full House with broad bipartisan support. It builds on recommendations from the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force, which Warren and state Sen. Steve Santarsiero helped create through legislation signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“This is a win for consumers, transparency, and public safety,” said Warren, who serves as chair of the House Insurance Committee. “House Bill 1704 would ensure that homebuyers receive information about a property’s flood history, flood insurance requirements, and whether it’s located in a FEMA-designated flood zone.”
Under the legislation, home sellers would be required to disclose:
- Whether the property has previously experienced flood damage.
- Whether the property is in a FEMA-designated flood hazard area (100- or 500-year flood zones).
- Whether flood insurance is required or has been carried on the property.
- Whether the seller has received government assistance for flood damage.
- Whether the seller has filed a flood insurance claim.
In addition, the bill would direct the Pennsylvania Insurance Department to create and maintain a public-facing website with information on flood zones, insurance coverage options, and mitigation strategies.
“This legislation simply deals with the openness and transparency which homeowners and renters expect in the negotiating and property inspection process,” said Rep. Dave Zimmerman (R-Lancaster/Berks), who worked closely with Warren in crafting H.B. 1704. “The risk of flooding is an issue we need to take more seriously, and ensuring an honest appraisal for the prospective buyer or renter is a must.”
“Flooding poses a significant risk to communities across our commonwealth, and it is crucial that we take proactive steps to mitigate this threat,” Santarsiero said. “I was proud to serve on the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force and I am glad the House is taking up these important recommendations. House Bill 1704, based directly on a Task Force recommendation, would increase transparency in the homebuying process. I look forward to the bill being passed out of the House and sent to the Senate.”
“As flooding events increase in number and severity across the commonwealth, many property owners or renters find themselves uninsured or underinsured,” said Sen. Lisa Baker, who served on the task force. “This can be an economically devastating circumstance. A recent task force came up with a sensible recommendation to address the problem. When a property is sold, a seller would have to notify the buyer of any flood-related risks and history of flood insurance coverage for the property. And, with updated guidance posted to its website, the Pennsylvania Department of Insurance would provide homeowners and renters alike additional important information related to floods, better helping informed decisions on coverage, rather than being caught unaware when disaster strikes.”
“Our riverside communities, as well as many other communities throughout Pennsylvania, have been awash during the extreme weather events of this century, and this legislation is another step toward mitigating the impact of flooding,” Warren added.
The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.
Warren represents the 31st Legislative District in Bucks County, comprising Lower Makefield Township, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield Township and Yardley Borough.
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