A local lawmaker is sponsoring what he calls a common-sense bill affecting those who win large lottery prizes.
State Representative Aaron Bernstine who represents parts of Butler, Beaver, and Lawrence Counties, is sponsoring House Bill 674 which directs the Department of Revenue to determine if lottery winners over $2,500 owe back taxes or are behind on child support payments.
If the winner does have an outstanding tax liability and all appeals have been exhausted, the amount of tax owed will be deducted from winnings and paid to the state. Likewise, if the lottery winner has outstanding court-ordered obligations such as child support, that amount will be deducted from any winnings.
The bill has passed the House of Representatives unanimously and will now move to the State Senate for consideration and a vote.
Written by Ryan Saeler