Costa legislation could keep some homeowners in growing areas from being taxed out of homes

State Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa has introduced legislation that he said would protect longtime homeowners from being taxed out of their homes.

Costa, D-Forest Hills, said the Longtime Owner-Occupant Tax Exemption Program, or LOOP, would allow first- and second-class cities and counties — including Pittsburgh and Allegheny County — to enact ordinances protecting homeowners in developing areas who are facing increasing property taxes as a result.