Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB374

Introduced
1/28/25  

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

If enacted, this bill will impact how primary and election expenses are reported at both the individual and organizational levels. It expands the definitions of who must report expenditures and contributions, lowering the threshold for contributions that require reporting from $100 to any amount during a calendar year. Consequently, this could result in a significant increase in reporting filings, thereby ensuring a broader scope of financial oversight in campaign activities.

Summary

House Bill 374 is a legislative act aimed at amending the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically concerning the reporting requirements for candidate and political committees, as well as independent expenditures. The bill modifies existing regulations to require more detailed disclosures from individuals and organizations making contributions or independent expenditures aimed at influencing elections. This act seeks to enhance transparency in campaign finance, providing clarity on the financial activities surrounding election campaigns.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 374 appears to be generally positive among proponents who value greater accountability in political financing. Supporters argue that increased transparency will help to eliminate potential corruption and undue influence in elections. However, there may be concerns about the administrative burden this could place on smaller committees and individual contributors who may need to navigate a more complex reporting process.

Contention

Despite the overall sentiment favoring transparency, the bill could face contention regarding the practicality of its reporting requirements. Critics may argue that the proposed amendments could inadvertently suppress political participation by imposing onerous reporting responsibilities on candidates and volunteers. This central tension between fostering transparency and ensuring that political engagement is not hindered will likely be a focal point in discussions as the bill advances through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1472

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 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 HB773

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 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 powers and duties of the supervisor, 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 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 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 HB1644

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; and, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, nominations by political bodies, limitations on eligibility of candidates and affidavits of candidates.

Similar Bills

CA SB794

Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

CA AB2882

Campaign contributions.

AZ HB2443

Campaign finance; contributions limits

CA AB775

Contribution requirements: recurring contributions.

AZ HB2623

Campaign finance; candidate committee transfers

MI SB0458

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; acceptance of certain contributions by judge or justice; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.

AZ SB1129

Campaign finance; transfers; candidate committee

MI SB0655

Campaign finance: other; certain campaign contribution limits; reduce. Amends secs. 52, 52a & 69 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.252 et seq.) & repeals sec. 46 of 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.246).