Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB675

Introduced
5/3/23  

Caption

Providing for a report by the Department of State on complaints relating to elections.

Impact

If enacted, SB675 would likely lead to significant changes in how electoral complaints are handled at the state level. The bill would require formal reporting and potentially establish protocols for addressing election-related grievances, thereby creating a more transparent system. This could contribute to improved public confidence in the integrity of elections, as voters would have a clearer understanding of how their complaints are managed. Additionally, the bill may drive the implementation of reforms aimed at preventing future issues in election conduct and administration.

Summary

Senate Bill 675 (SB675) seeks to enhance transparency and accountability in the electoral process by mandating the Department of State to report on complaints related to elections. The bill aims to ensure that concerns regarding electoral procedures are systematically documented and addressed, promoting public trust in the electoral system. By focusing on grievances related to voting and election conduct, the legislation emphasizes the need for mechanisms to investigate and resolve issues that might undermine the electoral process.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment towards SB675 appears to be supportive among proponents who advocate for better oversight and complaint management in elections. Advocates argue that such measures are necessary to safeguard voting rights and enhance governmental accountability. However, there could be some contention among critics who may view the bill as unnecessary or fear it may lead to bureaucratic overreach in managing electoral processes.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB675 include debates about the sufficiency of existing complaint mechanisms and concerns about how new regulations may affect local election processes. Some stakeholders worry that increased reporting requirements could burden election administrators without yielding substantial improvements. Furthermore, there may be discussions regarding the balance between transparency and the potential for misuse of complaint data, which could unfairly stigmatize certain electoral processes or jurisdictions.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2603

Establishing the citizens' election oversight board to review, investigate and report on citizen complaints on the conduct of elections and election procedures.

PA HB1101

In public safety, providing for the Pennsylvania Violent Death Reporting System; and imposing duties on the Department of Health.

PA SB1036

Providing for Office of Child Advocate, the Coalition of Trauma Prevention and Intervention and the Statewide Children's Mental Health Ombudsman; and imposing duties on the Department of Human Services.

PA HB832

Establishing the Pollinator Task Force and providing for its powers and duties; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

PA SB274

Further providing for advice to department.

PA HB458

Providing for a Constitutional Convention with limited powers, for a referendum on the question and for the selection, nomination and election of delegates; defining the powers, duties and operation of the Constitutional Convention; conferring powers and imposing duties on the Governor, the Secretary of the Commonwealth, officers of the General Assembly and county boards of elections; providing for a referendum on the Constitutional Convention's report; imposing a penalty; and making an appropriation.

PA HB1382

Establishing the Natural Fiber Task Force; and imposing duties on the Department of Agriculture.

PA HB959

Providing for public sector worker safety data analysis; and imposing duties on the Department of Labor and Industry.

PA HB2398

In transfers of credits between institutions of higher education, further providing for definitions and for duties of public institutions of higher education, providing for guaranteed admission, for reports to General Assembly and for dispute resolution and further providing for Transfer and Articulation Oversight Committee, for duties of department and for applicability; in higher education accountability and transparency, further providing for definitions and providing for student fee transparency; and providing for institutions of higher education and Dual Credit Innovation and Equity Grant Program.

PA HB49

In powers and duties of the Department of State and its departmental administrative board, providing for artificial intelligence registry.

Similar Bills

CA AB2713

Public employment: sexual harassment tracking.

CA SB820

Cannabis: enforcement: seizure of property.

CA SB1485

Consumer complaints.

CA SB342

Misleading advertising: domain and subdomain names.

CA AB2948

Consumer protection: Department of Consumer Affairs: complaints.

CA AB424

Alcohol and other drug programs: complaints.

CA AB1679

Motor vehicle insurance: auto body repair.

HI HB165

Relating To Internal Complaint Procedures.