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The Senate approved legislation sponsored by State Sen. Lisa Baker, R-20, Lehman Twp., to protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more.
Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount.
“The Pennsylvania Lottery has a proud, decades-long record of transparency and integrity,” Baker said. “At the same time, we must recognize the modern realities that come with instant communication and online access to personal information. This legislation strikes the right balance between public accountability and personal safety.”
Baker noted that half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners. Her proposal is designed to shield individuals and their families from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money.
“My interest in this legislation stems from knowing someone personally who was targeted after winning a $100,000 scratch-off prize,” Baker said. “Scammers went so far as to contact her family members pretending to be government officials demanding tax payments. No one should have to endure that kind of intrusion simply for being lucky.”
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
CAPITOL DIGEST runs periodically in The Citizens’ Voice and features news about local lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C.
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