At a reorganization meeting of the House Finance Committee, Chairman Samuelson called the roll and announced that all 26 committee members were present and that the committee had officially reorganized.

The committee agreed to operate under House Rule 44 and the standard committee operating rules (rules 1(c) through 4(c)), Samuelson said, and he and Chair Greiner will sign a letter to the speaker notifying the chamber of the reorganization. Samuelson said the committee will provide public notice of future meetings, typically five days in advance.

The main substantive item announced was House Bill 325, sponsored by Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski. Samuelson described language on page 3, line 9 of the bill that would direct school tax bills to include an explanatory sentence: “Your enclosed tax bill includes a tax reduction in the amount of [amount]. This tax relief is mandated by law through an act of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, which uses gaming revenue to reduce your property taxes. This reduction is separate from any action taken by your school district.” Samuelson said the bill was moved earlier in the 2023 session and that the wording has been changed slightly since that time.

Samuelson said HB 325 will be the only item for a vote at the committee’s next meeting, scheduled for Feb. 5. He said the committee may hold public hearings on other topics on Feb. 5 and vote on those items at a subsequent meeting. For questions about the bill, Samuelson directed members to contact Mark Forman or Rob Gartner.

There were no formal votes recorded during the reorganization meeting. Samuelson adjourned the session after the announcements.