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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 21, 2014 11:05 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Tarah Toohil |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Welfare Fraud (Former HB1251 2011) |
| In an effort to protect our public welfare system from those who aim to abuse it and to ensure taxpayer dollars are not being wasted through fraudulent activity, I will be reintroducing House Bill 1251 of 2011, legislation aimed at strengthening penalties on those who commit welfare fraud. My proposal would ensure that those convicted of more than $1,000 worth of fraudulent abuse of welfare cash benefits and/or food stamps would be guilty of a felony of the third degree. This measure would amend 62 P.S. §481 to mirror the penalties set forth in 19 Pa. C.S.A. §7313. It would also clarify existing welfare fraud language to include the use of access devices (ACCESS cards or EBT cards). Pennsylvania provides a generous safety net for residents in need of assistance during difficult times, which is why those who abuse the system should be appropriately penalized. |
Introduced as HB2058