Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB704

Introduced
5/23/23  

Caption

Further providing for definitions and for prohibition.

Impact

The potential impact of SB704 on state laws includes a clearer regulatory environment that can enhance compliance among citizens and businesses. By streamlining definitions and prohibitions, it is anticipated that the bill will reduce confusion among legal entities and assist in effective law enforcement. This could lead to more cohesive application of laws across the state, possibly diminishing the risks associated with legal disputes stemming from ambiguous language in existing statutes.

Summary

SB704 aims to clarify definitions and prohibitions within certain legal contexts in the state. The bill seeks to ensure that there is uniformity in understanding specific terminologies used in legislation, which is vital for the consistency of legal interpretations. By providing clear definitions, the intended outcome is to minimize ambiguities that may lead to varying interpretations and applications of the law, which can hinder legal proceedings and enforcement.

Sentiment

The sentiment concerning SB704 is generally supportive, particularly among legislators who emphasize the importance of clear legal language. Proponents of the bill argue that it represents a much-needed reform in legal definitions that can lead to improved efficiency in the judicial process. However, there are voices of caution expressing that changes in definitions could have unforeseen consequences on the application of related laws.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB704 revolve around the implications that changes in definitions and prohibitions could have on existing laws and regulations. Critics argue that while clarity is essential, the bill may inadvertently restrict certain legal interpretations that communities have relied upon. This aspect raises concerns about potential unintended consequences, particularly in how such changes may affect various stakeholders in legal matters, leading to a need for thorough review and consideration before adoption.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB263

Further providing for definitions and for prohibition.

PA HB1657

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA SB681

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for administration, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB880

Further providing for title of act, for definitions, for prohibition, for signage, for enforcement, for preemption of local ordinances and for repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA SB756

In fantasy contests, further providing for definitions, for general and specific powers of board and for prohibitions; in general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for legislative intent and for definitions; in Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board established, for general and specific powers, for license or permit application hearing process and public input hearings, for regulatory authority of board, for number of slot machines, for reports of board and for license or permit prohibition; in licensees, further providing for Category 4 slot machine license, for divestiture of disqualifying applicant, for manufacturer licenses, for gaming service provider, for nongaming service provider, for occupation permit application, for slot machine testing and certification standards, for slot machine accounting controls and audits and for renewals; in table games, further providing for regulatory authority and for table game device and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in interactive gaming, further providing for internal, administrative and accounting controls, for interactive games and interactive gaming devices and associated equipment testing and certification standards; in sports wagering, further providing for definitions; in revenues, further providing for slot machine licensee deposits and for transfers from State Gaming Fund; in administration and enforcement, repealing provisions relating to political influence, further providing for investigations and enforcement, for prohibited acts and penalties and for liquor licenses at licensed facilities; in fingerprinting, further providing for submission of fingerprints and photographs; in miscellaneous provisions relating to gaming, providing for live-streaming on casino floor and further providing for severability; in general provisions relating to video gaming, further providing for definitions; in administration, further providing for powers of board; in application and licensure, further providing for key employee licenses, for establishment licenses and for license or permit prohibition; in operation, further providing for video gaming limitations and for compulsive and problem gambling; in enforcement, further providing for prohibited acts and penalties; in revenues, further providing for fees; in ethics, repealing provisions relating to political influence; providing for skill gaming; establishing the Skill Gaming Fund; imposing duties on the Department of Revenue; in riot, disorderly conduct and related offenses, further providing for gambling devices, gambling, etc.; in forfeiture of assets, further providing for asset forfeiture; making appropriations; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

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 HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA SB1254

In general provisions relating to gaming, further providing for definitions; in Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board, further providing for general and specific powers, for regulatory authority of board and for number of slot machines; in licensees, further providing for Category 4 slot machine license, for manufacturer licenses, for gaming service provider, for nongaming service provider, for occupation permit application, for slot machine accounting controls and audits and for renewals; in table games, further providing for regulatory authority; in revenues, further providing for slot machine licensee deposits; in administration and enforcement, further providing for investigations and enforcement, for prohibited acts and penalties and for liquor licenses at licensed facilities; and, in miscellaneous provisions relating to gaming, providing for live-streaming on casino floor.

PA HB1245

Further providing for definitions and for prohibited acts and penalties.

PA HB1405

Further providing for definitions and for minimum wages; providing for tipped employees; and further providing for civil actions and for preemption.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.