House Passes Bill to Aid Nonprofit, Volunteer First Responder Organizations, Metzgar Says

April 7, 2021

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania House of Representatives today passed House Bill 290, which would allow the online operation and reveal of contest winners of raffles and drawings for nonprofit and first responder organizations, which is not allowed under current law. This change would expire upon the conclusion of the COVID-19 disaster emergency or May 1, 2022, whichever happens later.

Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar (R-Somerset/Bedford) issued the following statement on the bill:

“This legislation will immensely help our volunteer first responders recover some of the revenue lost during the pandemic. There is a clear need for alternative fundraising methods, and we feel that this bill provides a safe, effective solution,” said Metzgar. “I am proud to have supported this bill with an affirmative vote, and I look forward to seeing it advance in the Senate.”

House Bill 290 would allow eligible organizations to use mobile payment services such as CashApp, Venmo or PayPal for operation of the raffle or drawing. Credit cards may not be used. Verification of age and Pennsylvania residency would be required for participation.

The bill has been sent to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Carl Walker Metzgar
69th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Kevin DiGuiseppe
717.260.6419
Kdiguiseppe@pahousegop.com
RepMetzgar.com