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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | December 19, 2012 12:30 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Richard A Kasunic |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Small Games of Chance Amendments |
| Since the passage of Act 2 of 2012 (Act), I have heard from many local fraternal organizations, volunteer fire companies, and other charitable organizations who hold a small games of chance license that the new reporting requirements and other provisions of the Act are causing significant hardship in the continuing use of small games as a fundraising method. The changes made to the Act have resulted in a considerable amount of confusion, which is effecting their ability to continue their good efforts in our communities. As a result of this, I plan to introduce legislation that would make several changes to the Local Option Small Games of Chance Act including: -- Limiting the reporting requirements to licensed organizations whose gross proceeds (profits) from small games of chance exceed $100,000 per year. This would remove the burden of the reporting requirements on the small organizations who may not have the means to meet the requirements. -- Remove the requirement that in order to sell raffle tickets in another county, an eligible organization must first notify that county’s DA and treasurer as to the location and dates they plan to sell raffle tickets. Many members of these organizations sell raffle tickets to friends, family, and co-workers who often reside in a different county. -- Remove the requirement that only bona fide members of an eligible organization are permitted to sell/conduct small games of chance. Organizations will often use family members, friends, and others to ensure a good network of individuals are selling tickets to the public. Under current law, this is prohibited. -- Amend the current split of small games revenue that a club licensee can maintain for certain operating expenses. Currently, a club licensee can keep 30% of small games revenues for certain operating expenses, while the remaining 70% must be used for a public benefit. This legislation would make the split 50/50. If you have any additional questions regarding this legislation please contact my office at 717-787-7175. |
Introduced as SB144