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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | October 31, 2023 12:55 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Steven R. Malagari |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ensuring Integral Parts of Religious Organizations Activities |
| Pennsylvania church law is rooted in the history of the Commonwealth, described by the Unites States District Court as “the woods to which Penn led the Religious Society of Friends to enjoy the blessings of religious liberty”. As such, Pennsylvania state law shows great deference to churches and other religious organizations in all aspects of faith, worship, and sacred practice. Churches and other religious organizations in Pennsylvania are legally organized as nonprofit corporations that hold legal title to their assets. All property that is titled to the nonprofit corporation is restricted in use to its charitable and religious purposes. Historically, this principle has been interpreted broadly, which is important when it comes to zoning and property taxation matters. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing economic challenges faced by many of our residents, we have seen Pennsylvania’s churches, synagogues, mosques, temples, and mandirs utilized for the distribution of free meals, the collection and distribution of clothing and other essentials, hosting community pantries, and providing professional counseling and mental health services. However, I have been dismayed by news accounts of such houses of worship being cited for violating their municipality’s zoning code’s definition of “church” by offering free meals and other services to the needy. Consequently, I intend to introduce legislation to amend state law to clarify that such programs and services are to be considered an integral part of the religious organization’s activities, thereby preventing the Commonwealth and its political subdivisions from imposing any restriction or burden that would impede such. I ask you to join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation which will help to ensure that our churches and other religious organizations are free to fully carry out their important missions. |
Introduced as HB1921
Memo Updated: October 31, 2023 04:27 PM