Feb. 05, 2018
HARRISBURG – Legislation drafted by Rep. Bryan Cutler (R-Peach Bottom) and former House member Brandon Neuman of Washington that would increase government transparency and more appropriately address unlawful lobbying practices is headed to Gov. Tom Wolf for his signature after receiving a concurrent vote in the House today.
“While former Rep. Neuman is now serving as a judge in Washington County, we are still benefiting from the good work he did during his time with the House,” Cutler said. “The passage of this bill is due in large part to his efforts, and I thank him for leading the bipartisan support.”
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.
“Because of the work done by Neuman and myself, penalties for violating the public’s trust would be better aligned with the crime. It’s an important step toward restoring the public’s faith in the government,” Cutler added.
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.
The electronic filing changes would be effective 60 days after the bill becomes law per a change made by the Senate.
Representative Bryan Cutler
100th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives