Overall Goal of the Bill

To ensure our communities have the resources necessary to provide assistance to local communities and residents especially at a time when there is less money available from all levels of government.

Details of the Bill

House Bill 169 amends the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act to create new definitions, increase prize limits, and provide for additional rules and regulations for licensing of organizations.

House Bill 169 would increase limits for prize payouts from $500 to $1,000 for daily drawings, from $5,000 to $25,000 for weekly drawings, and from $5,000 to $10,000 for raffles per calendar month.

While most of the proceeds raised by these organizations would be distributed for public interest purposes such as sponsoring youth sports, refurbishing local parks, or giving out grants and scholarships to local students, House Bill 169 allows these organizations to use a small portion of the money raised to help sustain capital projects like fixing a roof or heating system.

In addition to adjusting the current statutes surrounding small games of chance, House Bill 169 also sets stricter enforcement measures and penalties for organizations that do not comply with the regulations.

Current Status of House Bill 169

House Bill 169 was approved by the House and Senate and signed into law by Gov. Corbett on Feb. 2. It is now known as Act 2 of 2012.

Watch my comments about the final passage of House Bill 169.