(a) General rule.--The department or any agent appointed in writing by the department is authorized to examine the books, papers, records, storage tanks and any other equipment of any distributor, dealer or any other person pertaining to the use or sale and delivery of liquid fuels and fuels taxable under this chapter to verify the accuracy of any report or payment made under the provisions of this chapter or to ascertain whether or not the tax imposed by this chapter has been paid. Any information gained by the department as the result of the reports, investigations or verifications required to be made shall be confidential.
(b) Penalty.--A person divulging confidential information under subsection (a) commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(c) Consumer protection.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) or section 731 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, incorrect liquid fuel, fuel or alternative fuel composition information, including octane values, discovered by the department upon examination of storage tank contents or related records may be disclosed to an appropriate enforcement authority for investigation.
(d) Public safety.--Notwithstanding subsection (a) or (b) or section 731 of The Fiscal Code, any suspected violation that could pose a threat to public safety discovered by the department during an examination authorized by this section may be disclosed to an appropriate enforcement authority for investigation.
(Nov. 25, 2020, P.L.1242, No.129, eff. imd.)
2020 Amendment. Act 129 added subsecs. (c) and (d).
Structure Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Pennsylvania Consolidated & Unconsolidated Statutes
Chapter 90 - Liquid Fuels and Fuels Tax
Section 9001 - Short title of chapter
Section 9003 - Liquid fuels and fuels permits; bond or deposit of securities
Section 9004 - Imposition of tax, exemptions and deductions
Section 9004.1 - Political subdivision and volunteer service use of tax-free motor fuels
Section 9006 - Distributor's report and payment of tax
Section 9007 - Determination and redetermination of tax, penalties and interest due
Section 9008 - Examination of records and equipment
Section 9009 - Retention of records by distributors and dealers
Section 9010 - Disposition and use of tax
Section 9011 - Discontinuance or transfer of business
Section 9012 - Suspension or revocation of permits
Section 9013 - Lien of taxes, penalties and interest
Section 9014 - Collection of unpaid taxes
Section 9015 - Reports from common carriers
Section 9016 - Reward for detection of violations
Section 9020 - Disposition of fees, fines and forfeitures
Section 9021 - Certified copies of records
Section 9022 - Uncollectible checks
Section 9023 - Application of Prevailing Wage Act to locally funded highway and bridge projects