Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1327

Introduced
4/28/25  

Caption

In penalties, further providing for the offense of bribery at elections and providing for the offense of payment for registration.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1327 would significantly alter the legal landscape surrounding elections in Pennsylvania. It seeks to tighten regulations around practices that could lead to election fraud, reflecting a growing emphasis on the need for robust measures against bribery, which can influence election outcomes. This move aligns with nationwide trends toward reinforcing election security and could lead to increased scrutiny on voter registration processes, strengthening the legal repercussions for unethical election practices.

Summary

House Bill 1327 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Election Code to strengthen penalties against election-related bribery and introduce a new offense for offering payment to induce voter registration. The bill's central provisions include classifying bribery at elections as a third-degree felony, carrying significant fines and potential imprisonment for those found guilty. Similarly, the bill establishes that offering incentives for voter registration can lead to misdemeanor charges, with hefty fines attached to violations. The driving force behind this legislation is to enhance the integrity of electoral processes within the state.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1327 appears to be generally favorable among proponents who believe that stricter penalties for bribery will safeguard the integrity of elections. Supporters argue that the bill addresses critical gaps in existing laws and sends a strong message against corruption in the electoral process. However, there may also be dissent regarding the implications of intensified penalties, particularly concerning how they might affect voter participation and the perception of voter registration drives, prompting fears about disenfranchisement.

Contention

One point of contention regarding HB 1327 is the balance between enforcing election integrity and ensuring that legitimate voter registration efforts are not hindered. Critics may argue that the penalties for incentivizing voter registration could discourage community organizations from engaging in outreach programs that encourage civic participation. The conversation around this bill raises important questions about how best to protect elections while also fostering an inclusive democratic process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2271

In sexual offenses, further providing for the offense of rape.

PA HB1406

In theft and related offenses, further providing for grading of theft offenses.

PA HB1207

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for explanation of ballot question and providing for wording of ballot question; in dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for elections on proposed constitutional amendments; in ballots, further providing for form of official election ballot; in voting machines, further providing for form of ballot labels on voting machines; and, in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for publishing constitutional amendments.

PA HB37

In voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for canvassing of official absentee ballots and mail-in ballots; and, in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections.

PA HB2256

In theft and related offenses, further providing for grading of theft offenses.

PA HB849

In falsification and intimidation, providing for the offense of failure to comply with child abuse offender registration requirements; in sentencing, providing for registration of child abuse offenders; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1329

In other offenses, further providing for the offense of invasion of privacy.

PA HB1396

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in district election officers, further providing for compensation of district election officers; in election districts and polling places, providing for ballot drop boxes; in electronic voting systems, further providing for definitions and for supplies, preparation of the voting system and of polling places, providing for pre-election logic and accuracy testing, repealing provisions relating to statistical sample and providing for post-election ballot audit; providing for electronic poll books and for electronic poll books and election infrastructure equipment bonds; in preparation for and conduct of primaries and elections, further providing for manner of applying to vote, persons entitled to vote, voter's certificates, entries to be made in district register, numbered lists of voters and challenges and for deadline for receipt of valid voter registration application; providing for in-person early voting; in voting by qualified absentee electors, further providing for date of application for absentee ballot, for approval of application for absentee ballot, for envelopes for official absentee ballots and for voting by absentee electors; in voting by qualified mail-in electors, further providing for applications for official mail-in ballots, for date of application for mail-in ballot, for approval of application for mail-in ballot, for envelopes for official mail-in ballots and for voting by mail-in electors; in returns of primaries and elections, further providing for computation of returns by county board, certification and issuance of certificates of election; in Election Integrity Grant Program, further providing for funding for elections; in recounts and contests, further providing for opening ballot boxes upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and deposit or bond, for recanvassing voting machines upon petition of electors alleging fraud or error and for correction of returns, decision not to be final and evidence for prosecution; in penalties, further providing for interference with primaries and elections, frauds and conspiracy; making an appropriation; and making an editorial change. Amending Title 25 (Elections) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies and for approval of registration applications; and, in changes in records, repealing provisions relating to removal notices, to transfer of registration and to change of enrollment of political party and further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB941

In limitation of time, further providing for other offenses.

PA HB57

In other offenses, further providing for drug trafficking sentencing and penalties.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.