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Senate Approves Pippy Bill Strengthening Ethics of PA Gaming
Law
Prohibits financial interests by public officials, sets new
standards for Gaming Board
HARRISBURG – Legislation
that adds a comprehensive list of ethical safeguards to
Pennsylvania's gaming law was approved by the state Senate
today, according to Sen. John Pippy (R-37), sponsor of the
measure.
Senate Bill 862 prohibits
any public official, executive-level public employee or
party official, or the spouse or minor of the official, from
holding a financial interest in a licensed gaming entity during
their tenure and for one year thereafter. Current law allows
public officials to hold up to one-percent ownership in
gaming-related companies.
"This measure sets high
standards so that Pennsylvanians can have faith that gaming
in the Commonwealth is being administered in an ethical
manner," said Pippy. "The goal is to resolve beyond any
question the concerns raised about public officials holding
any interest in gaming venues or suppliers."
The bill also sets new
ethical standards for the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board,
the panel established to regulate gaming in the
Commonwealth. Among other new requirements, Senate Bill 862:
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Sets standards for
disqualification of a member from a vote.
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Requires the board to
conduct a review prior to any proceeding to determine if
any member has a conflict of interest.
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Requires the appointment
of alternate members to serve when a member must recuse
himself due to a conflict or the potential appearance of
impartiality.
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Requires the board to
adopt a code of conduct for members and their immediate
families, employees and independent contracts.
The bill was sent to the
House of Representatives for consideration.
  Jubelirer
Thompson
Pippy
Tomlinson
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