PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB44

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB44

Introduced
3/7/23  

Caption

Providing for improper payments; and providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative.

Impact

The bill's implementation will require Commonwealth agencies that expend federal funds to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the U.S. Department of the Treasury, signaling a commitment to participate in the initiative. This participation involves using an online interface designed for verifying payment accuracy and conducting analytical reviews to enhance the integrity of payment systems within these agencies. The proposed changes are expected to yield annual reports detailing the number of improper payments identified, prevented, and the financial savings achieved as a result of this initiative.

Summary

House Bill 44 amends Title 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to address improper payments made by Commonwealth agencies and establishes participation in the Do-Not-Pay Initiative. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy and integrity of payments issued by these agencies, which is particularly relevant given the potential for errors or fraud in government spending. The bill outlines specific definitions related to improper payments, including those made in excess, to ineligible recipients, or for services not rendered. By doing so, it seeks to establish clearer guidelines and a mechanism to prevent such payments altogether.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 44 appears to be positive, given its focus on reducing government waste and enhancing accountability in financial dealings. Proponents are likely to view it as a necessary reform to safeguard taxpayer money and improve the functionality of government programs. The emphasis on accurate payments reflects a broader push towards fiscal responsibility and ensuring that public funds are managed effectively.

Contention

While the bill seeks to standardize and improve payment processes, there may be concerns regarding the administrative burden it places on Commonwealth agencies to comply with new reporting and verification requirements. Critics might argue that the additional bureaucracy could hinder operations in some departments or lead to delays in payment processes. Nevertheless, the overarching goal of mitigating improper payments and enhancing transparency in government spending is likely to overshadow such concerns among proponents.

Latest PA HB44 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB44

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB330

Providing for improper payments; providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB971

Providing for the assessment of improper payments by Commonwealth agencies and for public information on payments and programs of Commonwealth agencies.

PA HB979

Providing for the assessment of improper payments by Commonwealth agencies and for public information on payments and programs of Commonwealth agencies.

PA HB2637

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver of contract-specific goal, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program expiration; providing for Participation Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

PA HB2256

In veteran-owned small businesses, further providing for definitions, for regulations, for participation goal, for duties of Department of General Services and for bonding and progress payments, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for reports and providing for disparity study; in small and disadvantaged businesses, further providing for policy and for definitions, providing for Small and Midsize Diverse Business Program and for nonapplicability, further providing for regulations and for duties of department, providing for request for full or partial waiver and good faith efforts, further providing for bonding and progress payments and for report to General Assembly and providing for aspirational target, for disparity study and for program review and expiration; providing for Program for Construction and Design Professional Services; and making editorial changes.

PA SB1285

Providing for initiative to finance production of fresh food.

PA SB217

Providing for initiative to finance production of fresh food.

PA HB1579

Providing for Commonwealth grant accountability and transparency.

PA HB1300

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for

Similar Bills

PA HB330

Providing for improper payments; providing for participation in Do-Not-Pay Initiative; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB2410

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PA HB38

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MA S2233

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