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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 11, 2024 12:03 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Lisa Baker |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Lobbyist Reform |
| Last Session, I joined with several colleagues to introduce a 4-bill package designed to bring openness, transparency, and improved ethical standards to the lobbying profession. Collectively, these bills would have offered the most significant updates to The Lobbyist Disclosure Act of 2006. Since the passage of Act 134 of 2006, lobbying has evolved and grown in unique ways with very few checks and balances on influence and manner of conduct. One important evolution has been the overlay of lobbyists and political consultants and how these occupations have blurred lines in certain business models. Confusion and problematic interactions can easily suggest ethical transgressions. This overlap can carry a negative perception for the public that is already distrusting of elected officials and special interests. I believe there should be a clear line between these activities and services both during campaigns and a term of office. Senate Bill 803 from last Session worked to achieve this goal, and I look forward to reintroducing it. The bill amends Title 65 creating new definitions for political consultant and affiliate and requires registration with the Department of State, mirroring the requirements for lobbyist registration. The legislation would also prohibit political consultants from then lobbying a state or county official or an employee on their staff for the term immediately following the election cycle where political consulting services were engaged. Lastly, an individual would be prohibited from providing political consulting services while registered as a lobbyist or principal. Industries evolve across all professional realms including lobbying services. The public has high ethical and moral expectations for elected officials and for how government business is conducted. This legislation attempts to meet shortcomings in the current marketplace and do so with a reasonable balance respecting the professional services offered by both registered lobbyists and political consultants. I invite you to join me in this endeavor. |
Introduced as SB1195