PA Homeowners Relief: H.B. 1972 Passes House Unanimously

February 8, 2026 Robert Mitchell News
News Context
At a glance
  • Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania homeowners could soon see increased protections in the insurance claims process, as House Bill 1972 (H.B.
  • The unanimous vote signals a rare bipartisan agreement to address challenges faced by homeowners across the Commonwealth.
  • According to a news release from Representative Merski’s office, H.B.
Original source: pahouse.com

Pennsylvania Homeowners Set to Benefit from Unanimous Passage of H.B. 1972

Harrisburg, PA – Pennsylvania homeowners could soon see increased protections in the insurance claims process, as House Bill 1972 (H.B. 1972) passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives with unanimous support on . The bill, championed by state Representative Bob Merski, D-Erie, now advances to the state Senate for further consideration.

The unanimous vote signals a rare bipartisan agreement to address challenges faced by homeowners across the Commonwealth. While specific details of the bill are still under review by the Senate, It’s expected to strengthen oversight of public adjusters and bolster safeguards for property owners.

According to a news release from Representative Merski’s office, H.B. 1972 aims to tighten licensing and disclosure rules for public adjusters. The legislation also seeks to update bond and fee provisions and create new protections for homeowners before contracts are signed.

“With growing concerns about transparency and consumer protections in the insurance claims process, this measure strengthens oversight of public adjusters and bolsters safeguards for homeowners across Pennsylvania,” Merski stated in a press release issued on .

The bill’s passage comes at a time of increasing financial strain for homeowners. Recent data from the National Association of Realtors, from , indicated the median existing-home price in December 2023 was $382,600, a 4.4% increase from the previous year. This escalating cost of homeownership underscores the need for measures that support property owners.

H.B. 1972 was first reported out of the Pennsylvania House Insurance Committee unanimously on , according to Representative Merski. The bill underwent further consideration, including amendments, before its final passage in the House.

The bill’s legislative journey included being referred to the Insurance Committee on , reported as committed on , and undergoing a second consideration with amendments on , before being re-committed to the Appropriations Committee and subsequently re-reported as committed on .

Co-sponsors of H.B. 1972 include Representatives Jeff Olsommer, R-139; Tina Pickett, R-110; Benjamin Sanchez, D-153; Keith Harris, D-195; Carol Hill-Evans, D-95; Ed Neilson, D-174; Joe Ciresi, D-146; Dan Williams, D-74; Justin Fleming, D-105; and Tarik Khan, D-194.

The passage of H.B. 1972 represents a significant step toward providing assistance to Pennsylvania homeowners and ensuring a more transparent and equitable insurance claims process. The bill’s fate now rests with the state Senate, where it will undergo further scrutiny and debate.