Jun. 20, 2019
HARRISBURG – Recognizing the valuable role of charitable organizations and the people who support them, the House has approved legislation sponsored by Rep. Andrew Lewis (R-Dauphin) to simplify and consolidate the laws governing charities.
“Charities do so much to help people in need here in the 105th District and across the Commonwealth, and they rely heavily on the support of generous donors to meet their mission,” Lewis said. “It is in the best interests of all of us to ensure the integrity of our charities and to give donors every confidence that their money is going to legitimate organizations to help meet a need in the community.”
House Bill 1222 moves the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act and the Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act into the consolidated act that governs charities.
“This change helps streamline our laws and improve transparency, which is vital in ensuring the public trust,” Lewis said.
The Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act addresses proper registration of charitable organizations, professional fundraisers and professional solicitors. It protects the residents of Pennsylvania by requiring full public disclosure of the identity of persons who solicit contributions from the public, the purposes for which the contributions are solicited, and the manner in which the contributions are actually used.
The Institutions of Purely Public Charity Act aims to eliminate any inconsistent application of eligibility standards for charitable tax exemptions; reduce confusion and confrontation among traditionally tax-exempt institutions and political subdivisions; and, by providing standards to be applied uniformly in all proceedings throughout Pennsylvania, ensure that charitable and public funds are not unnecessarily diverted from the public good to litigate eligibility for tax-exempt status.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Representative Andrew Lewis
105th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Patricia A. Hippler
717.772.9846
Phippler@pahousegop.com
RepLewis.com /
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