PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1248

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1248

Introduced
4/17/25  

Caption

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for restricted activities; and, in benefits, providing for payment of benefits from the system to former members of General Assembly.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1248 would impact laws governing the conduct of former legislators and public officials in Pennsylvania. This new regulation aims to mitigate potential conflicts of interest that could arise when former officials transition into lobbying roles or represent third parties while still benefiting from state retirement systems. Supporters argue that this bill will enhance transparency and accountability in government, thereby restoring public trust in the legislative process.

Summary

House Bill 1248 seeks to amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning ethics standards and financial disclosure. The primary focus of this bill is to impose restrictions on former public officials and employees, particularly those who have served in the General Assembly. Specifically, the bill stipulates that no former public official shall represent a person for compensation on matters before the governmental body they were associated with for one year after their tenure. Furthermore, it targets former members of the General Assembly by prohibiting them from receiving pension or health benefits during the calendar year they represent someone before the General Assembly.

Sentiment

The sentiment around HB 1248 is largely supportive among advocates for ethical governance, who view the bill as a necessary step in curbing unethical behavior among former lawmakers. They believe that these restrictions are pivotal in preventing the appearance or reality of corruption resulting from the revolving door between public service and private representation. However, there may be dissent from former officials who perceive these restrictions as overly punitive and limiting their ability to engage in post-legislative careers.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the appropriateness of the one-year waiting period and the penalties associated with representing clients while receiving state benefits. Critics may argue that such restrictions could hinder qualified individuals from contributing their expertise in public discourse and navigating the complexities of governance. The implementation of this bill will likely ignite a debate about the balance between maintaining ethical standards and allowing former legislators to pursue their professional interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1764

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for restricted activities; and, in benefits, providing for payment of benefits from the system to former members of General Assembly.

PA SB723

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

PA HB281

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

PA SB586

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

PA SB105

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

PA SB356

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

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 HB484

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, providing for gift ban and for gift ban exceptions and further providing for statement of financial interests.

PA SB58

In membership, contributions and benefits, further providing for member's options, for death benefits and for payment of benefits from the system; in administration and miscellaneous provisions, further providing for duties of board regarding applications and elections of members and participants and for rights and duties of school employees, members and participants; in benefits, further providing for member's options, for death benefits and for payment of benefits from the system; and, in administration, funds, accounts, general provisions, further providing for duties of board regarding applications and elections of members and participants and for rights and duties of State employees, members and participants.

PA HB2262

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for statement of financial interests.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.