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Bill

HB 484

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, in disposition of abandoned and unclaimed property, further providing for certificate of finder registration, for notice and publication of lists of property subject to custody and control of the Commonwealth under this article, for income accruing after payment or delivery, for deposit of funds, for determination of claims, for penalties and for interdepartmental cooperation and providing for annual report.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Bizzarro and 10 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania updates abandoned property procedures for faster finder registration, improved asset publication, better fund management, and enhanced state coordination with annual reporting requirements.

Referred to Appropriations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 484

Legislative bill overview

HB 484 amends Pennsylvania's Fiscal Code to modernize the state's handling of abandoned and unclaimed property. The bill updates procedures for registering finders of such property, publishing lists of abandoned assets, managing funds and accrued income, processing claims, and enforcing penalties while requiring better coordination between state departments and annual reporting.

Why is this important

Unclaimed property—bank accounts, insurance payouts, utility deposits, and wages—affects millions of Americans, with Pennsylvania holding billions in such funds. These amendments could streamline the process for residents to recover their own property and improve state accountability in managing funds held in custody, potentially returning money to rightful owners faster and more efficiently.

Potential points of contention

  • Finder compensation: The bill addresses "certificate of finder registration," which could create disputes over who qualifies for fees or commissions when locating abandoned property and whether such arrangements are fair to claimants
  • Publication and notification standards: Changes to notice requirements and list publication could impact how thoroughly property owners are informed of their unclaimed assets, balancing state efficiency against public awareness
  • Income allocation: Updates on how interest and income accruing on abandoned funds are handled may shift money between the state treasury and individual claimants, affecting budget calculations and fairness debates

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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