Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB1104

Introduced
12/4/25  

Caption

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.

Impact

If enacted, SB1104 would significantly influence the existing laws governing campaign finance, aiming to close loopholes that may have previously allowed for insufficient reporting or late disclosures. The amendments proposed by this bill could help reduce instances of fraudulent or misleading campaign practices, thereby fostering a more equitable electoral environment. In addition, the introduction of late filing fees is expected to act as a deterrent against procrastination in filing required financial reports, which have been an area of concern in past election cycles.

Summary

SB1104 proposes modifications to the regulations regarding the reporting of primary and election expenses by candidates, political committees, and relevant individuals. This bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in campaign finance by enforcing stricter reporting standards to ensure that all election-related expenditures are adequately documented and disclosed. Additionally, it seeks to address issues surrounding late filings by implementing a structured fee system, encouraging timely compliance among candidates and committees.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1104 highlight various points of contention. Critics may argue that the proposed late filing fees could disproportionately affect smaller campaigns or independent candidates who may struggle with financial constraints. There are concerns that these additional regulatory measures might create unintended barriers to participation in the electoral process. Conversely, proponents maintain that such fees are necessary to uphold the integrity of elections and promote responsible financial practices among all candidates, regardless of the scale of their campaigns.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB374

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

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 SB638

In primary and election expenses, further providing for place of filing.

PA HB2328

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

PA HB208

In nomination of candidates, further providing for place and time of filing nomination petitions and filing fees.

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 HB126

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

PA HB1278

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

PA SB1276

In dates of elections and primaries and special elections, further providing for affidavits of can didates; in nomination of candidates, further providing for affidavits of candidates, for statement of candidates for delegates to national conventions, for Secretary of the Commonwealth to furnish county boards with list of candidates and candidates to be notified, for nominations by political bodies, for examination of nomination petitions, certificates and papers and return of rejected nomination petitions, certificates and papers and for affidavits of candidates; and, in penalties, further providing for false affidavits of candidates and for false signatures and statements in nomination petitions and papers.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.