Bill > SB362

This bill amends the Human Services Code to strengthen penalties and provisions related to public assistance fraud, specifically focusing on counterfeit access devices that replicate payment card information of assistance recipients. The bill introduces new criminal grading for such offenses, establishing that creating, using, or possessing counterfeit access devices would be graded as a felony of the second degree if the amount of assistance involved is $1,000 or more, and a felony of the third degree for amounts under $1,000 or attempted offenses. The bill also expands restitution requirements, allowing courts to order repayment beyond the traditional maximum imprisonment term if deemed reasonable and in the interests of justice. Additionally, the legislation establishes a four-year statute of limitations for these specific fraudulent activities and mandates that an individual convicted of such offenses shall be permanently ineligible to receive cash assistance. These provisions aim to deter and more severely punish fraudulent activities related to public assistance benefits by creating clearer legal definitions and more stringent consequences for individuals who attempt to illegally obtain or misuse assistance funds.

Health and Social Services

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=362