At a time when Pennsylvania has a shortage of an estimated 265,000 affordable housing units, there’s a move to eliminate laws preventing unrelated people from living together.

State Rep. Tarik Khan (D-194th) is the prime sponsor of what’s been dubbed the “Golden Girls Law,” which would prohibit local governments from limiting occupancy based on familial relationships.

“The cost of housing is a big concern,” he told the Local. “... People can’t find housing in their communities, or buy or rent in their own neighborhoods.”

There’s a need to amend “old laws that don’t make sense anymore,” he added.

Khan, a Democrat, said that early in his career, he lived with roommates while earning minimum wage “and I was barely making it,” including some months when he had to ask his parents for money. He noted that living expenses are even higher today.

Pennsylvania’s minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour for the last 16 years, matching the federal standard. In his budget address earlier this month, Gov. Josh Shapiro called again for a raise to $15 per hour.

House Bill 2109 has eight co-sponsors, including state Rep. Abby Major, the Republican vice chair of the Housing & Community Development Committee, which is now considering the legislation. It would keep existing rules that limit occupancy based on health and safety standards, including building, fire, and environmental codes, in addition to any government affordable-housing program guidelines. Khan said he was optimistic that it would get bipartisan support: “This should be like low-hanging fruit.”

The bill, he said, is aimed at helping everyone from young people “trying to start their lives” to older adults wanting to age gracefully in their own homes.

“The Golden Girls” was a popular TV comedy from the 1980s and 90s about four older women who shared a home to save money and support one another. “Yet in many Pennsylvania communities, outdated rules make these kinds of living arrangements illegal,” Khan said.

“Some local occupancy limits restrict how many unrelated people can live together in one home,” he continued. “These limits drive up housing demand and prevent friends, workers, older adults, and families from saving money by sharing a place.”

HB 2109, Khan said, “would prevent arbitrary limits on unrelated roommates, except where true health and safety standards apply. The effect of this legislation will expand housing options, help people afford to stay in their communities, and modernize housing policies. Other states like Iowa and Colorado have already moved in this direction.”

He noted that some Pennsylvanians are moving to states including Texas and South Carolina, where the cost of living is lower and “they’re getting rid of unnecessary regulations.”

“So how do we grow,” he said, “if people can’t afford to live here?”