PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1472

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1472

Introduced
6/21/23  
Refer
6/21/23  
Refer
4/15/24  
Report Pass
4/16/24  
Engrossed
4/16/24  

Caption

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late contributions and independent expenditures.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1472 is expected to bring about substantial changes to existing state laws governing election and campaign financing. By mandating thorough reporting on expenses and contributions, the bill seeks to close loopholes that may have allowed for less accountability in political funding. This change could enhance the integrity of the electoral process, providing voters with more comprehensive information about candidates' financial backers. However, it may also place additional administrative burdens on candidates and political committees that must comply with these new reporting standards.

Summary

House Bill 1472 focuses on the regulation of primary and election expenses, specifically regarding the reporting obligations of candidates, political committees, and other related entities. This bill aims to enhance transparency in campaign finance by setting forth clear guidelines for reporting late contributions and independent expenditures, which can significantly impact the financial landscape of political campaigns. The legislation is designed to ensure that all stakeholders in the political arena adhere to consistent and standardized reporting practices, thereby enabling voters to have better insights into the funding sources behind candidates and political initiatives.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1472 appears to be largely positive among proponents who advocate for increased transparency in political financing. Supporters argue that this legislation is a necessary step to uphold democratic principles and increase accountability among those in political office. However, there may be concerns among some candidates and political groups about the potential complexities and costs associated with complying with the new reporting requirements. Overall, the discussion around the bill reflects a broader societal call for reforms in campaign finance to ensure fair and open elections.

Contention

One point of contention regarding HB 1472 is the balance between transparency and the potential for imposing undue burdens on political entities. Critics of increased reporting obligations may argue that such requirements could limit participation in the electoral process, particularly among smaller candidates who may struggle with the administrative demands. Additionally, there could be debates around the definition of independent expenditures and contributions, making discussions of what constitutes campaign financing more complex. As with many legislative efforts targeting campaign finance, the discourse surrounding HB 1472 highlights differing perspectives on achieving accountability while fostering an inclusive electoral environment.

Latest PA HB1472 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB1472

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB374

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late contributions and independent expenditures.

PA HB1733

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons.

PA HB1220

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons.

PA HB1807

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons.

PA HB1262

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB815

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA SB139

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB2099

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA SB11

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA HB542

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.