May. 09, 2017
HARRISBURG – To share information that affects the legislative process with the public, Reps. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) and Brandon Neuman (D-Washington) drafted legislation to better address lobbying violations. The bill passed committee with unanimous support today.
“Pennsylvanians deserve to know there are stiff penalties for anyone who does not comply with a law designed to inform them about who is influencing their government by working with state policy makers,” Cutler said. “This bill would make relevant information available to everyone.”
The bill would increase fines and penalties for violations of the Lobbying Disclosure Act. It would increase the maximum penalty imposed by the Ethics Commission from the current fine of $2,000 to $4,000. The bill also would increase the maximum administrative penalty that may be imposed for negligent failure to report under current law from $50 per day, to $50 for the first 10 days, $100 for each late day after the first 10 late days and $200 for each late day after the initial 20-day period.
“The reform legislation is needed for full disclosure,” Neuman said. “Taxpayers have a right to transparency and to know who is lobbying on an issue.”
Additionally, the bill would improve the current electronic filing system for lobbyists. It would require all filings to be posted on the Department of State’s publicly accessible website within seven days of receipt. Registrants who file electronically would receive an e-receipt to serve as proof of filing.
As
House Bill 1175 was passed in committee, it now awaits a vote before the full House.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Alison Evans
717.260.6206
aevans@pahousegop.com
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