Freshman state Rep. Aaron Bernstine’s first bill, which would mandate that lottery winnings of those who owe back taxes and court-ordered restitution be confiscated, unanimously passed the House Finance Committee on Wednesday.
“Focusing on common-sense, bipartisan legislation such as this helps break down the walls of party politics,” said Bernstine, R-10, New Beaver. Bernstine, who introduced House Bill 674 on March 2 and sees it head to the House floor for consideration, added that the bill “increases accountability.”
Under the legislation, the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue would be required to conduct a background check on anyone who wins more than $2,500 from playing the Pennsylvania Lottery to determine if they owe back taxes to the state.
If a lottery winner is discovered to owe back taxes, the debt would be subtracted from their winnings and paid to the state.