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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Eugene DePasquale |
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DePasquale strengthens reforms in table games bill
HARRISBURG, Dec. 14 – State Rep. Eugene DePasquale, D-York, said language he authored to strengthen Pennsylvania's prohibition against convicted felons obtaining a gaming license in the state was added to table games legislation (S.B. 711) currently being debated by the state House of Representatives.
"My language would make Pennsylvania a national leader in tough standards for acquiring gaming licenses," DePasquale said of his proposal, which was part of a larger amendment added to the bill during debate in the House on Monday.
DePasquale's language would strengthen the restriction against felons obtaining state gaming licenses by broadening the definition of a felony offense to include:
- Every felony conviction under Pennsylvania law (all Pennsylvania felonies are punishable by at least five years in prison);
- Any offense which, under the laws of any other state or the federal government, is classified as a felony or is punishable by imprisonment of more than five years;
- Any offense under the laws of another jurisdiction which, if committed in Pennsylvania, would be subject to imprisonment for more than five years.
The bill would prohibit anyone convicted of a felony under the expanded definition from obtaining a gaming license in Pennsylvania. DePasquale said his language would ensure that Pennsylvania’s gaming license law was one of the strictest in the nation.
The House is expected to continue debate on the bill and could cast a final vote on the measure this week.
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