Pennsylvania House Bill HR244

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/2/25
• Refer: 6/2/25

Caption

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health's Tobacco Policy and Control Program as it relates to the investigations of tobacco outlets in the city.

Summary

House Resolution 244 directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a performance audit of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Policy and Control Program, specifically focusing on how the program investigates tobacco outlets in the city. The resolution states that the program was created to reduce tobacco use, expand smoke-free environments, and enforce restrictions on smoking and tobacco sales, and it notes that the program receives State grant funding through the Comprehensive Tobacco Control Program Grant. The audit is intended to examine whether investigations of tobacco outlets are being carried out in a systematic and uniform manner and to review the program’s performance measures and objectives. The committee would be required to report its findings and conclusions to the House within 18 months after adoption of the resolution. Because the measure is a resolution rather than a statute, it does not directly change the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, but it does authorize legislative oversight of a locally administered public health program funded in part by the Commonwealth.

Impact

HR244 would not amend existing state law or create new regulatory requirements; instead, it would trigger a legislative performance audit of a Philadelphia public health program that receives state tobacco-control grant funding. The practical effect would be increased oversight of the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s Tobacco Policy and Control Program, with attention to enforcement practices, investigations of tobacco outlets, and whether state-funded activities are being carried out consistently and effectively.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally supportive sentiment toward the resolution, with the House Health Committee reporting the measure as committed by a 24-2 vote. The bill’s findings frame the audit as a reasonable oversight step in response to concerns about inconsistent enforcement, indicating broad interest in accountability for a publicly funded tobacco-control program. No committee transcript is available, so the record does not show detailed debate beyond the vote and the resolution’s stated rationale.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be whether the Philadelphia Tobacco Policy and Control Program is conducting tobacco outlet investigations in a systematic and uniform manner. Supporters of the resolution are concerned about accountability, performance measures, and proper use of state grant funds, while any opposition likely centers on the need for additional scrutiny of a local public health enforcement program. The 24-2 committee vote suggests some disagreement, but the specific objections are not documented in the available materials.