Bill > HB1976

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding payments to families and funeral directors after a person's death by increasing the maximum amount that can be paid out from $10,000 to $20,000 in three specific scenarios: (1) for wages, salary, or employee benefits owed to a deceased employee, which can be paid directly to the deceased's spouse, children, parents, or siblings; (2) for bank or credit union accounts, where funds can first be used to pay funeral expenses up to $20,000 and then any remaining balance can be distributed to the deceased's family members; and (3) for patient care accounts in medical facilities, where funds can be used to pay funeral expenses and then distribute any remaining balance to the deceased's family, with payments not exceeding $20,000 total. The bill also makes a minor administrative change by updating a department name from "Public Welfare" to "Human Services." The law provides a clear order of preference for who can receive these payments and ensures that financial institutions and employers are legally protected when making such distributions. The changes will take effect 60 days after the bill is signed into law.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1976