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Bill > HB542
PA HB542
PA HB542In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary ofthe Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing f
summary
Introduced
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
In Committee
02/10/2025
02/10/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of June 3, 1937 (P.L.1333, No.320), entitled "An act concerning elections, including general, municipal, special and primary elections, the nomination of candidates, primary and election expenses and election contests; creating and defining membership of county boards of elections; imposing duties upon the Secretary of the Commonwealth, courts, county boards of elections, county commissioners; imposing penalties for violation of the act, and codifying, revising and consolidating the laws relating thereto; and repealing certain acts and parts of acts relating to elections," in the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.
AI Summary
This bill introduces comprehensive reforms to Pennsylvania's election and campaign finance laws, focusing on increasing transparency, limiting potential corruption, and enhancing corporate political accountability. The bill establishes new rules for political contributions, including setting specific contribution limits for individuals, political committees, and corporations, ranging from $1,500 for local elections to $5,000 for statewide races. It requires detailed reporting of political expenditures, with stricter requirements for disclosure of contributors, and imposes penalties for late or incomplete filings. The bill introduces significant new provisions for corporate political activities, mandating that corporations incorporated in Pennsylvania must obtain shareholder approval for political expenditures over $10,000, provide quarterly reports of political activities to shareholders and the Department of State, and ensure board-level authorization for political contributions. Additionally, the bill addresses concerns about foreign-influenced corporations by prohibiting contributions from entities with significant foreign ownership and requiring specific disclosures for independent expenditures. The legislation aims to increase transparency in political spending, prevent potential conflicts of interest, and provide more accountability in how corporations and political committees engage in electoral activities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (9)
Joseph Webster (D)*,
Nathan Davidson (D),
José Giral (D),
Roni Green (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Chris Pielli (D),
Tarah Probst (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
Mandy Steele (D),
Last Action
Referred to State Government (on 02/10/2025)
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