Robbins: Senate Passes Landmark Lobbying Disclosure Act

Law would show who is lobbying the Legislative and Executive Branches

Harrisburg – The Pennsylvania Senate today passed landmark legislation requiring lobbyists to file regular reports detailing who is lobbying the General Assembly and the Governor's Office, said Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), a longtime advocate for lobbyist disclosure.

Robbins said that under House Bill 700, the "Lobbying Disclosure Act," every lobbyist, lobbying firm and the groups who hire them will be required to register with the State Ethics Commission and file quarterly spending reports with the Department of State.

"The effort to bring lobbyist disclosure reform to the full General Assembly and Executive Branch has been a long one, but with tonight's vote we are closer than ever," said Robbins. "I encourage the House of Representatives to approve this good government measure so we can get it signed into law before the end of this legislative session."

Robbins said other highlights of the bill include:

The Department of State will provide a directory of all registered lobbyists.
All registrations and reports will be available online.
Random audits will be conducted on the registrations every two years.
Lobbyists who violate the law will be subject to civil fines of up to $2,000 and could be prohibited from lobbying for up to five years.
Principals who violate the law could receive a fine of up to $25,000 if they are found guilty.
Certain violations will be prosecuted by the Attorney General.

While efforts were underway to pass a lobbyist disclosure law, the Senate adopted a rule that required lobbyists to register and report their spending as it relates to lobbying the Senate, said Robbins. In compliance with the Senate Rule, 700 lobbyists registered and reported several million dollars in spending. Lobbyist reports can be viewed by the public via Senator Robbins' web site, www.senatorrobbins.com.

"Lobbyists come in all shapes and sizes -- from those who represent big companies, to those who speak for family farmers," said Robbins. "But if they are paid to lobby the General Assembly or the Governor's Office, they should do so above board, in the light of day, and through reports that can be viewed by every citizen in the Commonwealth."

House Bill 700 now goes back to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

CONTACT:

Nate Silcox
(717) 787-1322