Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB252

Introduced
3/10/23  

Caption

In nomination of candidates, further providing for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees.

Impact

If enacted, HB252 would impact state laws governing the election process, particularly those associated with candidate nominations. The bill intends to consolidate regulations to ensure that all candidates have access to uniform guidelines, ultimately promoting a more organized election environment. Legislative discussions could highlight how these changes might affect candidates' abilities to enter races, depending on their understanding of these new stipulations regarding the nomination petitions and any associated costs.

Summary

House Bill 252 aims to streamline the nomination process for candidates by clarifying the places and times for filing nomination petitions as well as related filing fees. This legislation is intended to enhance the efficiency of candidate nominations, thereby potentially improving participation in electoral processes. By providing clear guidelines, the bill seeks to eliminate confusion among potential candidates regarding nomination requirements and procedures, which can often be a barrier to participation in elections.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB252 appears to favor simplifying the nomination process, reflecting a general consensus among supporters that clarity in the process is beneficial for potential candidates and overall electoral health. However, there may also be concerns among some groups regarding the fairness of the filing fees and their potential to disenfranchise less wealthy candidates. Overall, the emphasis has been on making the election process more accessible and manageable.

Contention

Despite its aims, discussions around HB252 might evoke contention regarding the adequacy of fee structures and the specific timing delineated for filings. Critics may argue that the bill could unintentionally create barriers for certain candidates, especially those from underrepresented communities who may face financial challenges. Thus, while the bill aims for clarity and ease, the actual implications for candidate diversity and participation are points that could require further examination and discourse.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB208

In nomination of candidates, further providing for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees.

PA HB1829

In nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries and for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and providing for secure online signature collection for Federal, State and municipal political offices.

PA HB2090

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for special elections for United States Senator and nominations and for nominations for special election for Representative in Congress, Senator and Representative in the General Assembly and member of council or legislative body of cities, boroughs, towns and townships; and, in nominations of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries, for nominations by minor political parties, for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees and for nominations by political bodies, repealing provisions relating to filing fee and further providing for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath.

PA HB1709

In nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and for nominations by political bodies.

PA HB126

In nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and for nominations by political bodies.

PA HB37

In nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries.

PA HB196

In nomination of candidates, further providing for number of signers required for nomination petitions of candidates at primaries.

PA HB1196

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; and, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates.

PA HB36

In district election officers, further providing for election officers to be sworn; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for petition may consist of several sheets and statement of circulator, for affidavits of candidates, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers, for vacancy in party nomination by failure to pay filing fee or for failure to file loyalty oath, for affidavits of candidates, for filling of certain vacancies in public office by means of nomination certificates and nomination papers and for substituted nominations to fill certain vacancies for a November election; in ballots, further providing for form of ballots and printing ballots; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of computing irregular ballots; and replacing references to "justice of the peace" with "magisterial district judge."

PA HB1278

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.