The PA Senate is considering a bill which would make minor changes to the PA eminent domain statute providing for reimbursement for professional fees and expenses. Generally, PA requires reimbursement for up to $4,000 for those fees and expenses. If enacted, SB 1096 clarifies that this payment is owed “per property, regardless of right, title or interest [of the claimant].”

It also would change the statute, 26 Pa.C.S.A. §　710(a), to only provide for a reimbursement of $1,000 “where the taking is for an easement related to underground piping for water or sewer infrastructure.” This would be the only distinction based upon the purpose of the taking.