Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB975

Introduced
8/25/25  

Caption

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for completion, filing and publication of auditor's report and financial statement; and, in accounts and finances, further providing for annual reports, publication, filing report with Department of Community and Economic Development and penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB975 would affect existing regulations around fiscal reporting and public accountability for elected officials. It aims to impose stricter guidelines on how financial documents are managed and disseminated. This could lead to improved standards for financial reporting, enhancing public trust in governmental financial practices. Additionally, the bill may facilitate better monitoring of financial compliance among officials, potentially reducing instances of mismanagement or corruption in public funds.

Summary

SB975 seeks to amend certain provisions related to the powers and duties of elected officials, particularly focusing on the completion, filing, and publication of auditor's reports and financial statements. The bill emphasizes the need for transparency in public finance, aiming to ensure that the reports are completed in a timely manner and made accessible to the public. By refining these processes, SB975 intends to enhance accountability among officials responsible for financial oversight.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB975 appears to be generally positive, particularly among legislators advocating for increased transparency and accountability in public finance. Proponents view the bill as a necessary step to streamline financial reporting processes and uphold rigorous standards for public officials. However, there may also be concerns from opposition about the potential administrative burdens that come with increased reporting requirements and whether this might complicate the workflow for smaller jurisdictions.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB975 may arise from the balance between increased accountability and the potential for bureaucratic overload. Critics may argue that imposing strict deadlines and filing requirements could place undue stress on smaller elected offices and officials who may lack the resources to comply efficiently. Additionally, discussions may focus on how transparency measures might conflict with confidentiality in certain cases, particularly regarding sensitive financial information.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB573

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports; in COVID-19 record retention, further providing for retention of records related to COVID-19; and making an editorial change.

PA SB765

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for surcharge by auditors; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for borough manager created by ordinance and election, for powers and duties, for other offices not incompatible and for organization of commission; and, in taxation and finance, further providing for preparation of budget.

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 HB1232

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for surcharge by auditors; in powers, duties and rights of appointed officers and employees, further providing for borough manager created by ordinance and election, for powers and duties, for other offices not incompatible and for organization of commission; and, in taxation and finance, further providing for preparation of budget.

PA HB569

In powers and duties of elected officials, further providing for powers of council and providing for waiver.

PA HB2387

In the agency, further providing for agency audits and reports.

PA HB1556

In State-related institutions, further providing for reporting, for contents of report and for copies and posting and providing for contracts.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.