PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1806

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1806

Introduced
10/31/23  

Caption

In public assistance, further providing for false statements, investigations and penalty; and imposing penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1806 is anticipated to significantly impact state laws regarding public assistance. By establishing more severe penalties for false reporting, the legislation seeks to prevent fraud and ensure that public funds are used appropriately. This could alter the landscape of how public assistance is administered, potentially leading to increased scrutiny of applications and ongoing evaluations of recipient eligibility. Nevertheless, these changes may also result in concerns about access to necessary resources for those who genuinely require assistance.

Summary

House Bill 1806 aims to enhance regulations surrounding public assistance programs by imposing stricter penalties for individuals making false statements in these contexts. The bill targets fraudulent activities, thereby reinforcing the integrity of public assistance programs and ensuring that support is provided only to eligible recipients. It includes provisions for investigations into allegations of fraud, which is expected to increase accountability and deter misuse of resources designed for those in need.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1806 appears to be mixed. Supporters argue that the measures are necessary to protect public funds and maintain the integrity of assistance programs. They believe that strengthening penalties and investigative measures will deter those looking to exploit the system. In contrast, opponents caution that the bill might disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, especially if the investigations lead to unwarranted scrutiny of eligible applicants. This debate underscores a tension between ensuring accountability and maintaining accessible support for those in need.

Contention

Key points of contention regarding HB 1806 center on the balance between deterring fraud and ensuring that legitimate beneficiaries are not adversely affected by stringent regulations. Critics argue that while the bill's intentions are commendable, the potential for overreach in investigations and penalties could lead to a chilling effect on individuals seeking public assistance. The discourse surrounding the bill indicates a broader discussion on how to fortify assistance frameworks without impeding access for those who truly require help.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB980

In public assistance, further providing for false statements, investigations and penalty.

PA SB362

In public assistance, further providing for false statements, investigations and penalty.

PA HB1751

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA HB721

Further providing for definitions, for improper classification of employees and for criminal penalties; providing for private right of action; further providing for administrative penalties, for retaliation for action prohibited, for availability of information, for use of penalty funds and for funding; and imposing penalties.

PA HB103

Providing for at-risk, derelict and abandoned boats; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1531

In law enforcement background investigations and employment information, further providing for maintenance of records and for hiring report; and imposing penalties.

PA HB428

In assault, further providing for the offense of aggravated assault and for probable cause arrests in domestic violence cases; repealing provisions relating to abortion; in incapacitated persons, further providing for provisions concerning powers, duties and liabilities; providing for reproductive rights; imposing duties on the Department of Health; and imposing penalties.

PA SB812

In falsification and intimidation, further providing for the offense of false alarms to agencies of public safety.

PA HB718

Further providing for definitions; providing for duty of department to report and for investigations; further providing for civil remedies and penalties, for liquidated damages and for criminal penalties; providing for employer liability; and establishing the Wage Enforcement Fund.

PA HB945

Further providing for penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.