Mayes’ legislation aims to address welfare fraud
Rep. La'Tasha D. Mayes February 14, 2024 | 11:41 AM
HARRISBURG, Feb. 14 – To address welfare fraud while ensuring that the punishment fits the crime, state Rep. La’Tasha D. Mayes, D-Allegheny, announced that the House Judiciary Committee reported her legislation (H.B. 1806) out of committee today by a vote of 14-11.
House Bill 1806 would amend the Human Services Code to:
- Grade receiving fraudulent benefits of $3,000 or more as a third-degree felony.
- Grade receiving fraudulent benefits of $1,500 to $2,999 as a first-degree misdemeanor.
- Grade receiving fraudulent benefits of $1,000 to $1,499 as a second-degree misdemeanor.
- Grade receiving fraudulent benefits of $999 or less as a third-degree misdemeanor.
“With my legislation, we have the opportunity to address welfare fraud while ensuring that the punishment fits the crime,” Mayes said. “This legislation will also assist the Office of the State Inspector General to pursue cases to recover fraudulent benefits, which we can utilize to allocate to eligible recipients.”
Currently, the law classifies receiving fraudulent benefits of $1,000 or more as a third-degree felony, she noted.
Mayes’ legislation now awaits a vote in the PA House.
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