Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB374

Introduced
1/28/25  

Caption

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late contributions and independent expenditures.

Impact

If enacted, this bill will impact how primary and election expenses are reported at both the individual and organizational levels. It expands the definitions of who must report expenditures and contributions, lowering the threshold for contributions that require reporting from $100 to any amount during a calendar year. Consequently, this could result in a significant increase in reporting filings, thereby ensuring a broader scope of financial oversight in campaign activities.

Summary

House Bill 374 is a legislative act aimed at amending the Pennsylvania Election Code, specifically concerning the reporting requirements for candidate and political committees, as well as independent expenditures. The bill modifies existing regulations to require more detailed disclosures from individuals and organizations making contributions or independent expenditures aimed at influencing elections. This act seeks to enhance transparency in campaign finance, providing clarity on the financial activities surrounding election campaigns.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 374 appears to be generally positive among proponents who value greater accountability in political financing. Supporters argue that increased transparency will help to eliminate potential corruption and undue influence in elections. However, there may be concerns about the administrative burden this could place on smaller committees and individual contributors who may need to navigate a more complex reporting process.

Contention

Despite the overall sentiment favoring transparency, the bill could face contention regarding the practicality of its reporting requirements. Critics may argue that the proposed amendments could inadvertently suppress political participation by imposing onerous reporting responsibilities on candidates and volunteers. This central tension between fostering transparency and ensuring that political engagement is not hindered will likely be a focal point in discussions as the bill advances through the legislative process.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1104

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons and for late filing fee and certificate of filing.

PA SB658

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of candidates; and, in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for nominations by political bodies, for limitations on eligibility of candidates and for affidavits of candidates.

PA HB1262

In primary and election expenses, further providing for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, for late contributions and independent expenditures, for oath of compliance, perjury, disqualification from office and commercial use, for residual funds and for place of filing, providing for manner of filing and for inability to file reports or statements electronically by deadline and further providing for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for additional powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth.

PA HB2328

In primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions and providing for candidate remuneration.

PA SB11

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary ofthe Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA HB542

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary ofthe Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA SB273

In primary and election expenses, further providing for contributions by agents, anonymous contributions and cash contributions; and imposing a penalty.

PA HB126

In nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates and for nominations by political bodies.

PA SB332

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for general primary and candidates to be nominated and party officers to be elected.

PA SB105

In primary and election expenses, further providing for advertising.

Similar Bills

AZ HB2623

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AZ SB1129

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MI SB0458

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KS HB2054

Senate Substitute for HB 2054 by Committee on Federal and State Affairs - Increasing the limits on certain campaign contributions under the campaign finance act.

LA HB693

Provides for revisions to the Campaign Finance Disclosure Act (EN +$97,000 GF EX See Note)

AZ SB1006

campaign finance; aggregate report; amount

AZ SCR1002

campaign finance; aggregate report; amount

KY HB412

AN ACT relating to campaign finance.