Simmons Bill to Allow Independent Universities to Conduct Wine Auctions Advances
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would allow independent colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to conduct wine auctions, sponsored by Rep. Justin Simmons (R-Lehigh/Montgomery/Northampton), today was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives.
House Bill 619 will next be considered by the Senate.
“My bill would give schools such as Cedar Crest College and DeSales University the option of having a wine auction to help in their fundraising efforts,” said Simmons. “These institutions depend on donations to maintain their operations and should have all the same tools available to them as other organizations.”
Under Simmons’ legislation, the state Liquor Code would be amended to allow any college or university that is a member of the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania to obtain a wine auction permit. The permit would grant permission to the school to auction bottles or cases of wine, for fundraising purposes, no more than four days per year. The cost of the permit is $30 per day.
Under current law, such wine auction permits are granted to a variety of nonprofit organizations, including hospitals, hospices, the American Red Cross, public television stations, orchestras and museums.
Similar legislation sponsored by Simmons was passed by the House during the 2013-14 session, but failed to come up for a vote in the Senate.
Representative Justin Simmons
131st District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andy Briggs
abriggs@pahousegop.com
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