Bill > SB66

This bill amends Pennsylvania's public ethics laws by adding new definitions and restrictions related to cash gifts for public officials and employees. The bill introduces detailed definitions for "cash gift," including various forms of monetary value like currency, money orders, checks, prepaid cards, gift cards, and virtual currency. It specifies exceptions to what constitutes a cash gift, such as election-related expenditures, commercial loans, transactions with reasonable consideration, gifts from close family members, and public awards. The bill prohibits public officials and employees from accepting or soliciting cash gifts from lobbyists, principals, or individuals seeking official action. It establishes penalties for violations, with graduated consequences based on the amount of the cash gift: for amounts under $250, offenders can face a misdemeanor with a fine up to $1,000 and potential imprisonment of up to two years; for amounts of $250 or more, offenders can face a felony with a fine up to $10,000, imprisonment up to five years, or both. The bill also clarifies terms like "lobbyist," "principal," "official action," and "virtual currency," and stipulates that any collected fines will be paid into the General Fund. The legislation is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=66