Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

October 23, 2026

New Laws to Improve Small Games of Chance Law 

Last week, I wrote about a policy hearing I hosted in the 55th Legislative District to gather information on the challenges facing the emergency services community. 

Communicating frequently with fire departments, one of their largest concerns is funding. Many fire departments rely on income from the same small games of chance that also help veterans’ organizations, social clubs and other nonprofit organizations. This is why I was quick to support Senate Bills 398 and 416 earlier this week and am happy to report they have been signed into law as Acts 93 and 94 of 2026. 

The changes begin by allowing fire departments to conduct raffle ticket sales online and accept credit or debit cards for a means of payment. The bill codifies this practice into law through Dec. 31, 2027, even though some small games of chance have been conducted online for a few years. Participants have to be at least 18 years old and physically located in Pennsylvania when purchasing tickets.

As the bills circulated through the legislative process, I joined a bipartisan list of House members and senators in making other changes through amendments to the legislation, all intended to help community organizations meet rising expenses while continuing their important work. One of the long sought changes included was to raise the weekly prize limit for small games of chance from $35,000 to $60,000.
 
While the law maintains the existing requirement that proceeds support public-interest purposes, such as youth sports and community charities, it now allows the organizations and clubs to retain up to 50% of the proceeds for their operating costs, an increase from the current 40%.

The way I see it, these organizations provide gathering places, support local programs and contribute to causes that benefit residents throughout their communities. They make our communities safer, support our veterans and provide funding to important causes. Giving them greater flexibility to pay their bills would help protect those services.

Certainly, there are broader gaming issues, including the handling of skill games, which still require legislative attention.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Deadline Approaching to Register for Veterans Breakfast - If you’re a veteran, be certain to mark your calendar for my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, Oct. 31, 8:30-11 a.m. Open to all veterans in the 55th District and one guest each, the event includes retired Rear Adm. Charles Kubic as guest speaker. He served in the U.S. Navy for 34 years and established Kubic Engineer Group in 2012. Register by Oct. 26 by emailing aadams@pahousegop.com, or calling 724-472-4102 or 724-387-9113.

DEP Accepting Applications for Environmental Education Projects - The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is now accepting applications for its Environmental Education Grants Program through Friday, Nov. 13.

Eligible applicants include public and private schools and universities, county conservation districts, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Projects must be implemented July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2028. There are three tiers of awards available: Seed Grants for projects up to $5,000; Grow Grants for projects between $5,001 and $30,000; and Impact Grants for projects between $30,001 and $65,000.

Learn more about the grant program and how to apply at the DEP section of PA.gov.  



Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com