The House voted this week in support of a bill that would deduct back taxes from those who win the Pennsylvania Lottery.

House Bill 1489 would require the Department of Revenue to conduct a background check on anyone who wins more than $2,500 as a result of playing the Pennsylvania Lottery.That background check would reveal whether or not the winner owes any back taxes.If so, the amount of those delinquent taxes would be deducted from lottery winnings. In addition, the bill also directs the Department of Revenue to request that the Department of Public Welfare determine if the prizewinner is currently a recipient of public assistance benefits before making any lottery winnings payment.If the prizewinner is found to be receiving public assistance benefits, DPW must determine if the individual remains eligible for public assistance benefits. The measure now moves to the Senate for consideration.