Philadelphia City Council, April 24, 2025
City Council was off to a little bit of a late start, which is unusual, but they were attending to the other business of our city. Nonetheless, the Council got started immediately, passing bills and resolutions that will improve the quality of life for all of Philadelphia. Council passed 12 official bills during this session of Council.
Bills and Resolutions on Final Passage
Resolution 250303, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, honors the Philadelphia Juvenile Justice Center School, celebrating its 20th bi-annual “Carpe Diem,” honoring all judges and students who participate in this remarkable and beneficial event.
Resolution 250337, introduced by Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, authorizes the Philadelphia Land Bank to dispose of 705, 709, and 713 North 35th Street, 3712 and 3714 Wallace Street, and 3810 Haverford Avenue, all located in the 3rd Councilmanic District in accordance with the terms of Chapter 16-700 of the Philadelphia Code.
Resolution 250339, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, authorizes the Committee on Education to create a task force investigating the current state of higher education as this pillar of the Philadelphia regional economy and cultural landscape undergoes generational change.
Resolution 250342, introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, calls on the Trump Administration to reverse the mass termination of Health and Human Services staff that manages the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which distributes $4.1 billion annually to state governments to assist low-income households in paying their utility bills, threatening the health and safety of vulnerable populations in extreme temperatures.
Resolution 250343, introduced by Councilmember Rue Landau, called on the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to pass the Ready to Rent Act and increase housing opportunities for Pennsylvanians by automatically sealing most eviction records.
Resolution 250348, introduced by Councilmember Jeffrey J. Young for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, authorizes the establishment of the Special Committee on Reform of ACT 135, the Abandoned and Blighted Property Conservatorship ACT, to develop recommendations for reforming the ACT to prevent its use for the exploitation of vulnerable communities.
Resolution 250353, introduced by Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke for Council President Kenyatta Johnson, urging the Pennsylvania General Assembly to draft and pass bipartisan legislation that will secure the necessary funding for SEPTA to prevent service closures, fare increases, and a decline in mobility and economic activity for the citizens of Philadelphia and neighboring counties.
Resolution 250361, introduced by Councilmember Cindy Bass, authorizes the creation of a “Special Committee on Child Separation in Philadelphia” to review child separation practices in Philadelphia’s child welfare system and develop recommendations to ensure compliance with the state child protective services law, protect children, uphold due process rights of families, and prevent the unnecessary breakup of families.
Bills and Resolutions on Second Reading and Final Passage Calendar
Bill 250148, introduced by Councilmember Isaiah Thomas, an Ordinance amending Chapter 12-3400 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Use of An Automated Speed Enforcement System to Improve Safety,” by providing for the use, administration, and enforcement of automated speed cameras on routes located within specified school zones, all under certain terms and conditions.
Bill 250177, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, an Ordinance authorizing encroachments in the nature of a sidewalk café in the vicinity of 22nd and Wolf Streets, Philadelphia, PA 19148, all under certain terms and conditions.
Bill 250208, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, an Ordinance amending Section 12-1117 of the Philadelphia Code, entitled “Physically Handicapped and Disabled or Severely Disabled Veteran Parking,” as it will take effect pursuant to Bill 240613-AA (approved December 18, 2024), by revising the definition of disability parking space and further amending the Philadelphia Code by updating cross-references to Section 12-1117 that now appear in Title 9, entitled “Regulation of Businesses, Trades and Professions,” and Title 12, entitled “Traffic Code,” all under certain terms and conditions.
Resolution 250209, introduced by Councilmember Mark Squilla, an Ordinance amending Title 12 of the Philadelphia Code entitled “Traffic Code,” to clarify penalties and procedures associated with smart loading zone parking enforcement, all under certain terms and conditions.
To view the Philadelphia City Council meeting in its entirety, please visit www.phlcouncil.com or www.phila.gov. The next Council session will be held on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 10:00 am in Council Chambers at Philadelphia City Hall.
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