HARRISBURG — Legislation sponsored by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) to help Pennsylvania fire departments, VFWs and American Legions generate more revenue and keep serving their communities has passed the General Assembly and now heads to the governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 398 would give fire departments holding a Small Games of Chance license the ability to conduct unlimited raffles online as they currently are allowed to do in person for items such as side-by-sides, sportsmen equipment, grills and gift cards. The legislation aims to help these organizations facing financial and staffing challenges access additional fundraising opportunities to sustain the services our families and communities depend on.
“This is an additional step in my efforts to assist fire departments, VFWs and American Legions that do so much for our communities,” said Brooks. “These organizations are facing rising costs and have not had an increase in their prize limit since 2013, when my legislation at the time, House Bill 290, was signed into law as Act 92. Act 92 also legalized fundraising efforts like 50/50 drawings, reverse raffles, basket raffles and more, for social organizations, booster clubs and non-profits.”
Legislation sponsored by Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49) was amended into Senate Bill 398 to allow licensees to increase the amount they can retain to pay for their operating expenses.
“Our local clubs and volunteer organizations are feeling the squeeze of rising utility bills, insurance costs and building maintenance,” Laughlin said. “Allowing them to keep more of the money they raise will help keep their doors open so they can continue supporting worthwhile causes and serving our communities.”
Additionally, legislation sponsored by Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) was included in Senate Bill 398 to increase the aggregate prize limit for small games of chance conducted by a licensed eligible organization in any seven-day period from $35,000 to $60,000.
“Organizations like our VFWs, American Legions and fire companies depend on small games of chance to fund youth sports, scholarships, emergency services and support for veterans,” Gebhard said. “The outdated cap is forcing many of them to shut down games once they hit the limit — cutting off a major source of funding. I was grateful to see my language amended into Sen. Brooks bill to modernize the law and help these groups continue serving our communities.”
The bill now awaits the governor’s signature to become law.
BROOKS CONTACT: Adam Gingrich
LAUGHLIN CONTACT: Chris Carroll
GEBHARD CONTACT: Alex Gamble