Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1115

Introduced

5/5/23

Refer

5/5/23

Caption

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1115 would significantly impact how lobbying is conducted in Pennsylvania. It introduces a more comprehensive reporting framework that mandates lobbyists and their clients to disclose any reportable business relationships they maintain with state officials. This includes detailing financial transactions involving compensation above $1,000 annually. The legislation could potentially lead to a more accountable lobbying environment, as it aims to curtail undisclosed transactions that may present conflicts of interest among state officials, thereby strengthening the integrity of the state's political processes.

Summary

House Bill 1115 aims to amend Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, particularly focusing on lobbying disclosure by providing clearer definitions, reporting requirements, and penalties for violations. The bill intends to enhance transparency in the actions of lobbyists and state officials, ensuring that relationships between lobbyists, clients, and state officials are adequately reported. This aims to address concerns regarding the influence of lobbyists on government decisions and the potential for corruption, making sure that all significant compensations tied to state officials are disclosed.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1115 appears generally supportive among advocates for government transparency and ethics reform. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward mitigating the risks of undue influence by lobbyists, promoting an environment where public officials are held accountable for their connections with private interests. However, there may be opposition from those in the lobbying industry who see the increased regulatory burden as restrictive or unnecessarily invasive, leading to a nuanced debate about the balance between regulation and free enterprise in lobbying efforts.

Contention

Key points of contention likely revolve around the practicality and implications of the new reporting requirements and penalties established by the bill. Critics may voice concerns about the capacity of lobbyists to comply with the extensive documentation required under HB 1115, arguing that it might deter legitimate lobbying activities. There may also be debates over whether the defined thresholds for reporting are sufficiently robust to capture all relevant lobbyist-state official interactions, as well as discussions about the potential chilling effect such regulations could have on political engagement and discourse.

Latest PA HB1115 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB1115

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB572

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities, for statement of financial interests and for penalties; in lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties; and, in Turnpike Commission standards of conduct, further providing for code of conduct.

PA SB97

PA SB1195

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for registration, for exemption from registration and reporting, for prohibited activities, for administration and for penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB808

PA HB278

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for registration, for reporting, for exemption from registration and reporting and for administration; and making an editorial change.

PA HB980

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for registration, for reporting, for exemption from registration and reporting and for administration; and making an editorial change.

PA HB1223

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions and for prohibited activities.

PA SB106

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions and for registration.

PA SB66

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities and for penalties.

PA SB356