Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB2314

Introduced
5/21/24  
Refer
5/21/24  
Refer
6/24/24  

Caption

In fiscal affairs, further providing for establishment and use of Game Fund and for appropriation and audit of moneys.

Impact

The bill's amendments will significantly influence how the Game Fund's financial resources are managed and audited. By requiring an annual review and the submission of budget recommendations to the Senate and House Appropriations Committee, the legislation imposes a structured approach to financial oversight. This move aims to bolster public confidence in how state funds are utilized and ensure that resources are directed towards purposes that align with legislative intent. The prohibition against using the Game Fund for alcoholic beverages additionally reflects a focus on responsible spending and ethical governance.

Summary

House Bill 2314 seeks to amend Title 34 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically addressing the fiscal management of the Game Fund. The bill establishes guidelines for the appropriation and audit of moneys allocated to the Game Commission, enhancing legislative scrutiny and transparency regarding the utilization of these funds. Importantly, the legislation prohibits the use of any funds from the Game Fund for the purchase of alcoholic beverages, reinforcing a commitment to responsible fiscal practices within state-operated programs.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 2314 is largely positive, with broad support from legislators who emphasize the importance of fiscal responsibility and accountability. The clarity that the bill brings to the regulations governing the Game Fund aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the financial oversight of state resources. However, there may be concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the limitations on fund usage, particularly if they perceive it as restricting flexibility in budget management.

Contention

While the bill has garnered significant support, debates could arise regarding the implications of strictly prohibiting specific types of expenditures from the Game Fund. Critics might argue that more nuanced guidelines could provide flexibility in fund management, which could be essential in unforeseen circumstances. Nonetheless, proponents view the bill as a necessary step towards improving governance and ensuring that public funds are managed in an ethically sound manner.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1719

In fiscal affairs, further providing for establishment and use of Game Fund.

PA SB800

In fiscal affairs, further providing for establishment and use of Fish Fund and for establishment and use of Boat Fund.

PA HB2042

In revenues, providing for audits of Pennsylvania Race Horse Development Trust Fund; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in general provisions, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for records and confidentiality of information; in application and licensure, further providing for establishment licenses, for license or permit prohibition, for issuance and renewal and for conditional licenses; in operation, further providing for testing and certification of terminals and for video gaming limitations, providing for hours of operation and further providing for terminal placement agreements and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement; in revenues, further providing for distribution of local share, for regulatory assessments and for transfers from Video Gaming Fund; in ethics, further providing for political influence; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; providing for implementation; and making a repeal.

PA SB1297

In purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in general powers of the board, providing for collection of premiums; in prices of milk, providing for board-established premiums and further providing for cooperatives; and, in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for Milk Marketing Fund and for payment and providing for audits.

PA SB689

In purpose, short title and definitions, further providing for definitions and construction; in general powers of the board, providing for collection of premiums; in prices of milk, providing for board-established premiums and further providing for cooperatives; and, in moneys and expenses of board, further providing for Milk Marketing Fund and for payment and providing for audits.

PA HB2180

In pupils and attendance, further providing for Nonprofit School Food Program and providing for School Meal Debt Fund; and making appropriations.

PA HB2108

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission, providing for prohibition and further providing for accountability.

PA SB1192

In Department of Military Affairs, further providing for Fort Indiantown Gap; and establishing the Service Members, Veterans and their Families Fund.

PA SB520

In wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and repealing provisions relating to public access; in enforcement relating to fish, further providing for powers and duties of waterways conservation officers and deputies; in enforcement relating to game, further providing for powers and duties of enforcement officers; in recordings by law enforcement officers, further providing for definitions and for audio recording or video recording policies; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of Department of Corrections; and making transfers between the State Gaming Fund and certain restricted accounts.

PA SB1142

In revenues, further providing for establishment of State Gaming Fund and net slot machine revenue distribution; adding provisions relating to local gaming terminals by providing for general provisions, for application and licensure, for operation, for enforcement and for revenue; imposing the local gaming terminal tax; establishing the Local Gaming Fund; providing for ethics; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for the offense of gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in Commonwealth services, establishing the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Programs Fund; prescribing penalties; and making appropriations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.