Bill > HB115

This bill, known as the Ballot Access Improvement Act, establishes a new system for candidates to gain ballot access in Pennsylvania by introducing a nomination petition filing fee option alongside traditional petition gathering. The bill sets specific filing fees for various offices, ranging from $3,000 for state representatives to $38,500 for presidential and statewide offices. Candidates for these positions can now either submit a traditional nomination petition or pay a filing fee to appear on the ballot. The fees will be distributed between the Department of State and county election boards, with strict guidelines that the funds can only be used for election-related administrative costs. The bill also mandates that filing fees must be paid by the 10th Tuesday before the primary election and requires the issuance of a detailed receipt documenting the payment. Additionally, the legislation provides clear definitions for election-related terms and imposes new responsibilities on the Department of State, including certifying candidate compliance and developing implementation rules. The bill applies to a wide range of offices, including federal, state, and local positions, and will take effect 60 days after its passage, providing a new pathway for candidates to access the ballot while potentially generating revenue for election administration.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=115