Pennsylvania state Rep. Tarik Khan (D-194), of Philadelphia, has introduced legislation dubbed the “Golden Girls” bill to eliminate outdated local laws that restrict how many unrelated people can live together, arguing such rules worsen the state’s housing affordability crisis and contribute to a shortage of at least 265,000 homes. Inspired by the 1980s sitcom’s shared-living model, Khan says the regulations prevent friends, older adults, workers and families from saving money and supporting one another by sharing housing. House Bill 2109 would bar arbitrary occupancy limits based on relationship status, allowing restrictions only for legitimate health, safety, fire code, wastewater and water quality standards, or affordable housing program guidelines. The bill, which was referred to the House Housing and Community Development Committee on Jan. 5, has 21 Democratic co-sponsors and one Republican, Rep. Abby Major (R-60), and follows similar policy changes adopted in states like Iowa and Colorado.
Source: Phillyburbs; 1/10/2026