Legislation by a local politician to help some non-profit organizations with fundraising problems as a result of COVID-19 is moving forward.
State Senator Joe Pittman’s Senate Bill 243 has been approved by the Senate and would temporarily allow organizations with small games of chance club licenses to offer games of chance online or through a mobile application.
“Our volunteer fire companies often rely on large gatherings to raise funds to keep their doors open and their lights on, and when the pandemic hit and the closures began, they instantly lost that opportunity,” Pittman said.
This would permit first responders and veterans groups to conduct fundraisers that they need and receive payment electronically through credit or debit cards or other electronic mobile payment applications. They would be required to verify age and residency of those participating in the virtual games of chance.
This new policy would remain in effect for one year or as long as Governor Tom Wolf’s COVID-19 emergency declaration remains in effect, whichever is later. The bill will next move on to consideration by the PA House of Representatives.
