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Bill > HB555
PA HB555
PA HB555In primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions and providing for limitations on campaign contributions; and imposing duties on the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
summary
Introduced
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
In Committee
02/11/2025
02/11/2025
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 primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions and providing for limitations on campaign contributions; and imposing duties on the Secretary of the Commonwealth.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Pennsylvania's Election Code by updating the definition of "valuable thing" and establishing new limitations on campaign contributions. The bill expands the definition of "valuable thing" to clarify what types of contributions or in-kind support are considered valuable, with specific exemptions for volunteer services, personal property use, travel expenses, and legal or accounting services aimed at ensuring compliance with election regulations. A key addition is the new Section 1627.1, which aligns campaign contribution limits with federal standards by adopting the aggregate contribution levels established by the Federal Election Commission under 52 U.S.C. § 30116. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is tasked with certifying and publishing these contribution limit calculations in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. The bill will take effect on January 1, 2026, or immediately, whichever is later, providing transparency and standardization in campaign finance regulations while maintaining some flexibility for small-scale volunteer and personal support activities.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (14)
Joe Webster (D)*,
Elizabeth Fiedler (D),
Dan Frankel (D),
Roni Green (D),
Jim Haddock (D),
Liz Hanbidge (D),
Carol Hill-Evans (D),
Danielle Otten (D),
Chris Pielli (D),
Tarah Probst (D),
Steve Samuelson (D),
Ben Sanchez (D),
Mandy Steele (D),
Ben Waxman (D),
Last Action
Referred to State Government (on 02/11/2025)
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