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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 12, 2023 11:08 AM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Melissa L. Shusterman |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Improving Lobbying Transparency |
| One of the greatest rights Americans share is the right to petition the government. Lobbying allows us to actively participate in the process of governance and allows our government to prioritize competing interests, which can lead to a more productive and prudent society. However, we need to put safeguards in place to promote transparency in this process. Currently, Pennsylvania’s lobbying laws are insufficient in promoting transparency. Only principals, rather than lobbyists themselves, are required to produce expense reports. These reports leave out important information relating to their business operations. Additionally, lobbyists are not required to submit any reports related to their business relationships. My legislation would amend this by requiring lobbyists to provide this pertinent information in a detailed annual report. Lobbyists would also be required to report their business relationships. Failure to adhere to these stipulations would subject lobbyists and their principals to various fines and penalties. We should encourage our state’s residents to lobby for their interests, while making sure the lobbying process is as fair and transparent as possible. This bill will help lawmakers and the public access necessary data on lobbying activities in our state. Please consider co-sponsoring this important legislation to increase transparency of lobbying activities. |
Introduced as HB1115