Neuman’s ethics bill approved by House
The state House of Representatives on Thursday unanimously passed legislation designed to improve government transparency by enabling the state Ethics Commission to more fully address lobbying violations.
The bill was drafted by Rep. Brandon Neuman, D-North Strabane Township, and Rep. Bryan Cutler, R-Lancaster.
“Transparency is a key to gaining public trust, and House Bill 1348 would improve transparency of those who work to influence state government,” Neuman said.
“The bill earned bipartisan support and updates as well as stiffens penalties for those not heeding Pennsylvania’s lobbying disclosure law.”
H.B. 1348 would increase fines and penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act.
It would increase the maximum penalty imposed by the Ethics Commission to $4,000 from the current fine of $2,000.
The bill also would increase the maximum administrative penalty that may be imposed for negligent failure to report under current law from $50 a day, to $50 for the first 10 days, $100 for each late day after the first 10 late days and $200 for each late day after the initial 20-day period.
The bill also would improve the current electronic filing system for lobbyists.
It requires all filings to be posted on the Department of State’s publicly accessible website within seven days of receipt.
Currently, lobbyists do not receive an electronic receipt after they file, but the bill would require that they be provided email proof or a time-stamped receipt.
The legislation is now awaiting consideration by the state Senate’s State Government Committee.