House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

Posted:	January 10, 2023 01:26 PM
From:	Representative Pat Gallagher
To:	All House members
Subject:	Requiring Bonding for Contractors Performing Work on Adjoining Properties

In February of 2019, Clovena Klenk, a 94-year-old woman with dementia, was forced to vacate her home because a contractor, who was working on the neighboring property, cause a structural collapse in her basement. Unfortunately, Mrs. Klenk’s home could not be saved as the damage was too extensive. Mrs. Klenk lived in her Fishtown home in Philadelphia with her late husband for over 60 years. To prevent similar tragedies, my legislation will require a contractor to purchase a surety bond of $500,000 which would be solely used to cover the costs of any damages incurred during construction to a residential adjoining property. A contractor must show proof of bonding to the municipality before any permits could be issued. By preparing for the worst, we can ensure that adjoining neighbors have resources if their properties are damaged while their neighbor’s house is under construction. Please join me in protecting Pennsylvanians’ property and prevent unwanted displacement by co-sponsoring this bill.
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Introduced as HB761