An Act amending the act of June 13, 1967 (P.L.31, No.21), known as the Human Services Code, in public assistance, further providing for false statements, investigations and penalty.
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill amends Pennsylvania’s Human Services Code to strengthen penalties for individuals who fraudulently obtain or misuse recipient access device information. Specifically, it expands the definition of offenses related to using scanning devices and reencoders to access and replicate information from benefit cards. The bill increases the severity of penalties for repeat offenders, including potential felony charges and restrictions on receiving cash assistance following a conviction. It also establishes a statute of limitations for these offenses and defines key terms like ‘scanning device’ and ‘reencoder.’
Key provisions
- Expands the definition of offenses related to using scanning devices and reencoders to access recipient access device information.
- Increases penalties for repeat offenders, with a third offense becoming a felony of the second degree.
- Establishes a five-year statute of limitations for these offenses.
- Requires restitution of any funds obtained through false statements or fraudulent means.
- Suspends cash assistance for recipients convicted of these offenses for varying periods (six months, twelve months, or permanently).
- Defines ‘scanning device’ and ‘reencoder’ for clarity.
- Addresses the potential for restitution exceeding the standard imprisonment term.
Who is affected
- Individuals receiving public assistance benefits (e.g., TANF, SNAP)
- Benefit card recipients
- Individuals using scanning or reencoding devices
Bill text
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Document of record
- Version
- Pn 1833 Html
- Published
- Not published in the source record
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Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
9 on record
Primary sponsor
Cosponsors
Daniel Laughlin
Judith Schwank
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