Pennsylvania is sitting on billions in unclaimed money that state Treasurer Stacy Garrity wants to send directly to the people it belongs to, a move that would drop the current system that leaves the legwork to owners.

Many likely have no idea that there is money waiting for them in the first place, and following the lead of states like Wisconsin and Illinois, Garrity has proposed legislation that would allow the state to automatically return some money to people with no action required on their part.

Read Spotlight PA's full report: Pennsylvania's treasurer wants to send unclaimed money directly to its rightful owners.

THE CONTEXT: The money — from uncashed checks, unused gift cards, unclaimed tax refunds, and more — is swept into Pennsylvania's coffers every year, totaling hundreds of millions of dollars. But the money doesn't belong to the state: Its rightful owners can come and claim it anytime.

Garrity said the state Treasury can often identify a current address for people who have unclaimed funds. But under current law, the agency can send people their money back only if they file a formal claim. 

Critics, including the financial institutions responsible for turning over unclaimed funds, have long questioned whether states are doing enough to reunite people with their money. After all, many residents aren't hard for state governments to find: They pay taxes each year, update the address on their driver's license, and register to vote. 

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