Oct. 26, 2021
HARRISBURG – Legislation authored by Rep. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) is just one in a package of 11 bills that have advanced to the full state House for a vote after passing the House State Government Committee this week.
“There’s no question lobbyists play an important role in our legislative process; however, because of the role they play they also need to be held to a higher standard,” said Pennycuick. “The legislative efforts contained in the package of bills would ensure all lobbyists in the state follow a defined set of rules to ensure their activities are above reproach.
“The bills in the package will serve to enhance transparency in state government,” continued Pennycuick. “My legislation,
House Bill 1600, would require campaign consultants to register with the Department of State, because I think knowing who is working on campaigns is important knowledge for voters and taxpayers to have.”
Campaign consultants are defined as someone who receives compensation for campaign-related professional services rendered to a campaign to elect an individual to office. They would join the list of lobbyists, lobbying firms and principals that already register with the state under existing law
Other bills included in the package are as follows:
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House Bill 1009: Would implement targeted prohibitions on the acceptance of certain gifts, transportation, lodging and hospitality by public officials and public employees.
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House Bill 1599: Would require lobbyists to disclose and register any lobbying client conflict with the Department of State.
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House Bill 1601: Would require lobbyists to register with the Department of State any equity they may hold in an entity on behalf of which they are lobbying.
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House Bill 1603: Would prohibit campaign consultants from concurrently being registered lobbyists and engaging in lobbying elected officials.
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House Bill 1605: Would prohibit lobbyists from receiving/paying referral payments from/to another individual, lobbying firm or campaign consultant.
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House Bill 1606: Would make lobbyists primary reporters, strengthen audit requirements and restructure the fees used to pay for the administration of the Lobby Disclosure Law.
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House Bill 1607: Would prohibit any state entity from hiring an outside lobbyist or consultant to influence the Legislature, administration or judiciary.
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House Bill 1608: Would prohibit new employees of the General Assembly who were previously a registered lobbyist from being lobbied for one year after their registered lobby status expired.
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House Bill 1609: Would require all registered lobbyists to complete a mandatory ethics training on an annual basis.
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House Resolution 114: Would urge the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania to reform its rules to promote openness, transparency and greater confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, judicial employees and attorneys formerly employed by government entities.
Representative Tracy Pennycuick
147th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Tricia Lehman
717-772-9840
tlehman@pahousegop.com
reptracypennycuick.com