Dinniman pushes bill to curb pipeline bullying

Posted by Press Release on March 7, 2016

Local residents whose property rights have been threatened by pipeline companies will speak in support of state Sen. Andy Dinniman’s legislation to regulate land agents at a press conference on Thursday, March 10, at 3 p.m.

The press conference will take place at Ship Road Park, located at 1425 Ship Road in West Whiteland. The park is nearby several properties that are impacted by Sunoco Logistics proposed Mariner East pipeline project. Numerous homeowners in the region say they have been threatened with eminent domain by Sunoco land agents in advance of the extensive pipeline project, a press release from Dinniman’s office said.

In response to complaints from residents, businesses and homeowners about the aggressive tactics employed by such land agents, Dinniman introduced Senate Bill 991.

“Currently, land agents in Pennsylvania operate with no oversight whatsoever,” Dinniman said in the release. “I’ve heard from constituents who feel that they have been intimidated, harassed and bullied by land agents. It seems like some of these agents, according to residents, will do or say practically anything to get landowners to sign over their property rights. That is not right, and it cannot be allowed to continue.”

Dinniman cited residents’ concerns regarding land agents having access to their personal information and home addresses.

In addition, he said that several homeowners claim they were misled by land agents who threatened the imminent taking of their land even though the necessary eminent domain procedures had yet to be initiated in court. According to homeowners, land agents also make a practice of delivering such threats in the evening hours and on the days before holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Dinniman’s legislation calls for amending Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act to define the role of “land acquisition broker” and require registration with the Pennsylvania Real Restate Commission. In addition, the bill calls for allowing public access to a listing of registered brokers, requiring criminal history background checks of brokers, and providing the commission with the authority to revoke or suspend them for a number of reasons such as fraud or misrepresentation.

“Chester County is not the Wild West and we will not allow residents to be pushed around and steamrolled by the land agents of pipeline companies,” Dinniman said. “These agents perform title or contract functions and negotiate the acquisition of land and property rights. There is no reason why they shouldn’t be held to the same standards and scrutiny of Realtors.”

Other states, such as Texas and North Carolina, already have similar laws in place. Senate Bill 991 is currently in the Senate Consumer Affairs and Professional Licensure Committee. For more information, contact Dinniman’s office at 610-692-2112.