Landmark reform legislation, sponsored by Rep. John Maher (R-Allegheny/Washington), will shed light on the shadowy business of lobbying.
According to Maher, House Bill 700 will “shed light in corners that have been forever concealed from the public,” and bring greater transparency to state government by revealing much information about lobbyists and those who hire them.
“This reform is the toughest and most expansive lobbying law that the state Legislature has ever considered,” said Maher.
House Bill 700 proposes to enact provisions to reform lobbyist regulation and disclosure and to create a new Lobbying Disclosure Act. In 2002, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court overturned Pennsylvania’s lobbying law declaring only the courts have the ability to regulate lawyers. As a result, Pennsylvania has been the only state in the nation without such a law.
Since that time, House Republicans have worked to overcome the hurdles imposed by the Court. The House State Government Committee, led by Chairman 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.
“For the first time, the public will be able to know who hires lobbyists, how much they spend, and who and what they are trying to influence,” said Maher.
Every dollar of the total costs spent by those working to influence the Governor, Legislature and state agencies will be revealed in public reports. The total costs of gifts and hospitality provided to any state official will be reported and specifically identify each official receiving anything at all reportable under the ethics law.
House Bill 700 requires to lobbyists to register with the Pennsylvania Department of State every two years upon spending more than $2,500 in lobbying expenses or services. Lobbyists will be required to file quarterly reports with the Department of State detailing all the information required by the bill.
The independent Ethics Commission will enforce the new law and will be armed with strong penalties. The Commission will have the power to fine offenders up to $50,000 per infraction and can even ban lobbyists altogether for up to five years.
“This progress will not cost the people of Pennsylvania a single penny. All costs will come from fees charged to lobbyists and those that hire them,” said Maher.
The bill was amended today to:
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expand the amounts reported;
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reconcile the differences with a similar Senate proposal;
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and to refine technical language, including a recommendation by the Perzel Commission, created by Speaker John Perzel (R-Philadelphia) intended to ensure that a new lobbying law will survive any challenge in the Supreme Court.
“This legislation offers a well-balanced approach to lobbying reform . The public will learn about interest groups while the first amendment rights of Pennsylvanians and the news media are protected,” said Maher
House Bill 700 passed the state House of Representatives by a vote of 190-1. It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
For more information on lobbyist reform legislation, you may contact John Maher at (412) 760-4040.
Rep. John Maher
40th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
(412) 831-8080
(717) 783-1522
(412) 760-4040
House Republican Public Relations
(717) 705-1834