Hailed as the toughest, most expansive lobbying law passed by the state 

In an effort to bring greater transparency to state government and restore the public trust in the state Legislature, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today overwhelmingly passed landmark reform legislation, authored by Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny/Washington), which will create the most expansive and strongest lobbyist registration and reporting law. 

Once enacted, House Bill 700 will, for the first time in the history of the state, require both lobbyists and the special interests that hire them to register with the state and report their spending every three months.   

“This legislation will shed light in corners that have been forever concealed from the public,” said Maher.  “This reform is by far the toughest and furthest reaching lobbying reform law that the state legislature has ever considered.  The citizens of Pennsylvania will benefit from greater transparency to government actions and proceedings throughout the state.” 

Maher’s legislation will amend definitions and provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, enact provisions to reform lobbyist regulation and disclosure, and will create a new, stricter Lobbying Disclosure Act.  In 2002, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Pennsylvania’s lobbying law declaring that only the courts have the ability to regulate lawyers, many of whom serve as lobbyists.  As a result, Pennsylvania has been the only state in the nation without such a law, and according to Maher, “Has plagued us as one of Pennsylvania’s biggest shames.” 

Since that time, Maher has led House Republicans efforts to overcome the hurdles imposed by the court.   

The House State Government Committee, led by Rep. Paul Clymer (R-Bucks), held an extensive series of public hearings and countless meetings over the last two legislative sessions. This open and transparent process led to the committee’s unanimous, bipartisan approval of the proposal that became House Bill 700.

Additionally, Maher has worked extensively with his colleagues in the state Senate to create an agreed upon piece of legislation that is not only hard hitting, but also eye-opening for the public. 

House Bill 700 states that reported spending must include the cost of communicating with legislators and members of the governor’s office, as well as gifts and hospitality of officials, hospitality events, recreation, transportation and lodging paid for state officials.   

If a lobbyist offers gifts totaling at least $250 to a single legislator in a single year, that legislator’s name will be required to be included.  Furthermore, if a lobbyist gives at least $650 total in meals, lodging, travel and/or recreation in one year to a lawmaker, the name of that lawmaker must be included as well.   

Under the Ethics Act, the threshold for reporting has been $650 per occurrence.  Maher’s legislation improves transparency by requiring a report to be filed if a lobbyist spends $650 in a single year, rather than by occurrence. 

Lobbyists will be required to register with the Pennsylvania Department of State every two years upon spending more than $2,500 in lobbying expenses or services. 

The lobbyist reports are required to be completed on a quarterly basis and filed with the Department of State. The law will be enforced by the independent State Ethics Commission.  Armed with strong penalties, the Ethics Commission will have the power to fine lobbyists who fail to register with the state or report their spending a fine of up to $2,000 and could be barred from lobbying for up to five years. 

All lobbyist registrations and spending reports will be available online. 

Importantly, Maher notes, “This progress will not cost the residents of Pennsylvania a single penny.  All costs will be covered by the reporting fees charged to lobbyists and those who hire them.” 

Maher, a proven leader in government reform efforts, also stated, “This legislation offers a well-balanced approach to lobbying reform while also creating tougher standards for reform and ensuring transparency for our constituents.  The public will have access to information about interest groups, but this legislation will also protect the first amendment rights of Pennsylvanians and the news media.”  

House Bill 700 passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 194–1, and now returns to the Senate for a final vote of approval.  Once signed, this law will go into effect in January. 

For more information on this lobbyist reform legislation, contact Rachael Lighty at 717-705-1834. 

Rep. John Maher
40th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 831-8080
(717) 783-1522
(412) 760-4040
www.RepMaher.com
Contact:  Rachael Lighty
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 705-1834
www.pahousegop.com