Dauphin News

The Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee has approved two bills aimed at improving tourism in Pennsylvania and modernizing the small games of chance law. The bills, which have bipartisan support, seek to create more economic development opportunities for local communities.

One of the approved bills, Senate Bill 845, introduced by Senator Devlin Robinson, aims to establish tourism improvement districts (TID) in specific geographic areas. The bill serves as enabling legislation for counties that wish to participate and enact a TID in their communities. TIDs have been successful in other states, leading to increased visitation and economic growth.

Speaking about Senate Bill 845, Senator Chris Gebhard, the chair of the committee, stated, "This bill has no negative impact on the state budget and is aimed at creating more economic development opportunities for our communities."

The second bill, Senate Bill 667, introduced by Senator Devlin Robinson and Senator Fontana, focuses on modernizing the Small Games of Chance Act. It proposes allowing electronic payment for online raffle sales, bringing Pennsylvania in line with nearly 25 other states that already allow online raffles. This change will provide convenience and accessibility to organizations conducting raffles and will bring the state up to date with technological advancements.

Senator Gebhard expressed his support for Senate Bill 667, saying, "The bill will modernize our current system by allowing raffles to be conducted online. It is a commonsense measure that will benefit our communities."

Both bills aim to boost tourism and economic growth in Pennsylvania without negatively impacting the state budget. They have received bipartisan support and are seen as crucial steps in modernizing the state's approach to tourism and small games of chance.

To learn more about the committee's decision and the discussion around these bills, interested individuals can view the meeting at www.pasenategop.com.

For further information or inquiries, please contact Derek R. Clepper, Esq., at 717-787-5708.

To learn more, click on this link: https://senatorgebhard.com/2023/12/12/senate-community-economic-and-recreational-development-committee-approve-bills-to-create-tourism-improvement-districts-and-allow-online-raffle-sales/