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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2025 - 2026
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 6, 2024 09:42 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Steven R. Malagari |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Ensuring Integral Parts of Religious Organizations Activities (former HB1921) |
| 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. Former Co-Sponsors: SANCHEZ, BOYD, HILL-EVANS, MADDEN, CURRY, CERRATO, KHAN, ZIMMERMAN AND GREEN, |