Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB330

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

Further providing for athletic event drawing.

Impact

If enacted, SB330 would enhance the regulatory framework for charitable athletic events, thereby clarifying the distribution of raffle proceeds. This amendment aims to create a more structured approach to fundraising through sports drawing events, with an express focus on supporting both charitable causes and emergency service funding. The requirement for affiliated nonprofit organizations to remit detailed annual reports would also facilitate better tracking of funds and enhance transparency in the use of raised charitable contributions, thereby potentially boosting public trust in such fundraising activities.

Summary

Senate Bill 330 seeks to amend existing legislation around sports raffles in Pennsylvania, specifically the Sports Raffle Charities Act. The proposed changes outline the distribution of funds from athletic event drawings, stipulating that 50% of the total amount collected from ticket sales be designated as prize money. Moreover, it specifies that 95% of the remaining funds should be donated to designated charitable organizations for public interest purposes, while 5% would go towards funding grants provided by the Office of State Fire Commissioner aimed at supporting emergency services and fire companies in Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB330 appears to be generally positive, particularly among organizations involved in charitable fundraising and emergency services. Proponents view the bill as a straightforward enhancement of existing law that will help nonprofit organizations effectively contribute to meaningful causes. However, there may be some concerns regarding the administrative burden of reporting requirements and the allocation of funds, as not all stakeholders may agree with the percentages defined for distribution.

Contention

One notable point of contention may arise from the specific allocations for funding, particularly the 5% earmarked for grants to the Office of State Fire Commissioner. Some organizations could see this allocation as limiting the amount of funds available for direct charitable causes, arguing that a greater percentage should be directed to nonprofit organizations for immediate public interest uses, rather than earmarking funds for state-managed grants. As with many legislative changes, the balance between supporting state initiatives and providing more direct assistance to local charities will likely be a focal point for discussion.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1050

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, further providing for prize limits and for sales limited, providing for pull-tab deals, further providing for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers, for regulations of department and for licensing of eligible organizations; in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds; and, in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and providing for other penalties.

PA ACR26

Amends State Constitution to permit sports wagering through casinos and current or former horse racetracks on all college sport or athletic events.

PA HB256

Defibrillators At School Athletic Events

PA SB2239

Relating to charitable raffles conducted by certain intercollegiate athletics teams; creating criminal offenses.

PA SB450

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in games of chance, providing for payment and further providing for prize limits, for sales limited, for distributor licenses, for registration of manufacturers and for regulations of department; in club licensees, further providing for club licensee and for distribution of proceeds; in enforcement, further providing for revocation of licenses and for local option and repealing provisions relating to advertising; in tavern gaming, further providing for licenses, for application, for approval, for prize limits, for distribution of net revenue, for tavern games tax, for invoice, for reports and for enforcement.

PA HB1354

In duties and powers of boards of school directors, further providing for school athletics, publications, and organizations.

PA SB946

Further providing for schedules of controlled substances and providing for tianeptine-related adverse health events.

PA HB1520

In intercollegiate athletics, further providing for definitions and providing for rights of parties, for prohibitions on institutions, for athletic associations, conferences and organizations with authority over intercollegiate sports, for NIL agreements, for athlete agents and upfront payments, for athletic program structure, for protections and right to adjudicate, for private civil action, for settlements and for severability.

PA HB2432

In games of chance, further providing for prize limits, providing for raffle prize limits and further providing for licensing of eligible organizations and for special permits; and, in club licensees, further providing for distribution of proceeds.

PA HB06201

An Act Prohibiting Student Athletes Who Were Born As Males From Participating In Women's Interscholastic Athletic Events.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.