Bill > HB278

This bill amends Pennsylvania's lobbying disclosure laws to modify several key aspects of registration, reporting, and exemptions. The bill changes the definition of "personnel expense" to include a more precise calculation for individuals whose lobbying is incidental to their regular employment. It modifies the registration process by establishing a biennial registration system where lobbyists, lobbying firms, and principals are automatically registered unless they file a termination notice, and must register within 10 days of acting in a lobbying capacity. The reporting thresholds are significantly altered, reducing the reporting threshold from $2,500 to $1 for registered principals, and introducing a new $2,500 threshold for campaign consulting. The bill also expands and clarifies exemptions from reporting, removing some previous exemptions like the $2,500 economic consideration threshold and adding new categories of exempted individuals and activities. Additionally, the bill changes audit procedures, requiring that audit reports and findings be made public and allowing the commission to determine whether adverse findings warrant enforcement action. The changes aim to increase transparency and streamline the lobbying disclosure process in Pennsylvania, with the bill set to take effect 180 days after its enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=278