Pennsylvania House Bill HB1361

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/23
• Refer: 6/9/23

Caption

Further providing for registration of charitable organizations, financial reports, fees and failure to file, for exemptions from registration and for short form registration.

Impact

The impact of HB 1361 on state laws involves streamlining the registration process for many small charitable organizations, allowing them to operate with fewer bureaucratic constraints. The proposed changes are designed to simplify compliance for organizations that receive limited contributions and do not pay individuals for solicitation efforts. By amending registration fees based on increased contribution thresholds, the bill seeks to encourage more charitable activities without overwhelming smaller organizations with administrative requirements.

Summary

House Bill 1361 proposes amendments to the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act in Pennsylvania. The bill primarily focuses on the registration process for charitable organizations, introducing changes to financial report requirements and registration fees. Notably, it raises the threshold for organizations required to register, increasing the previous limit of $25,000 to $50,000 in contributions received during the preceding fiscal year. This adjustment aims to reduce the regulatory burden on smaller charities that do not engage professional fundraisers and primarily rely on volunteer support.

Sentiment

General sentiment around the bill appears to be supportive, especially among smaller charitable groups that benefit from reduced regulatory obligations. Advocates argue that this legislation will promote community engagement and facilitate fundraising efforts for organizations that might struggle with current registration processes. However, there is a concern among some legislature members about whether increasing the contribution threshold for registration might enable less oversight over charitable activities, particularly in terms of transparency and accountability.

Contention

While the intention behind HB 1361 is to ease the operational burden on small charities, there is potential contention regarding the balance between regulatory oversight and accessibility. Critics may argue that raising the threshold for mandatory registration could lead to a lack of transparency and difficulties in monitoring charitable organizations. Additionally, there may be concerns that this could lead to an environment where larger charities might circumvent necessary regulatory frameworks. The discourse around these issues will be essential as the bill progresses through the legislative process.