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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Dante Santoni |
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Santoni bill to help nonprofits compete moves to Senate
HARRISBURG, Feb. 4 – The state House of Representatives today approved legislation introduced by state Rep. Dante Santoni, D-Berks, that would give local nonprofit organizations the chance to improve their operations through changes to Pennsylvania's bingo law.
The bill (H.B. 706) would change to 30 days the current requirement that members of associations be on the member rolls for at least one year before holding full membership. The change would give organizations more people to pool from to help run and work public bingo games. Only full members are allowed to work such games.
The legislation also would allow associations to increase maximum jackpot daily prize limits to $8,000 and offer winner-take-all bingo games. Current law sets daily prize limits at $4,000 and prohibits winner-take-all payouts.
"Volunteer fire departments, veterans' organizations and other social clubs are important to local communities, not only for their charity and public safety work but also for the community pride and camaraderie they inspire," Santoni said.
"The addition of slot machine gaming put these organizations at a disadvantage in terms sustaining the staff needed to continue their bingo games and competing for residents' discretionary entertainment dollars. This legislation is a small but important boost for these organizations."
Santoni's bill passed the House 188-10 and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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CONTACT: Barbara Grill House Democratic Communications Office |