Committee approves Lobbying Accountability Act

Panel approves Senator Pippy's amendment adding Additional provisions

The Senate State Government Committee today approved legislation that would set necessary standards for public disclosure of lobbying activities in Harrisburg, according to Senator John Pippy, R-37^th District and committee vice chairman.

Prior to the Committee's vote on Senate Bill 1, the panel unanimously approved an amendment introduced by Senator Pippy to expand the legislation to include lobbyists hired by political subdivisions, such as counties, cities and municipalities.

SB 1 was introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Robert C. Jubelirer to be "practical, effective, and constitutional." It is termed the Lobbying Accountability Act, because the essence is to compel a public accounting of lobbying activity.

"I applaud Senator Jubelirer and his staff for working with the Supreme Court to develop language that tightens public disclosure standards in Harrisburg and should stand up to any potential legal challenge," Senator Pippy said. "The people have a right to know who is lobbying, what they are spending to impact public policy, and the issues at which those lobbying efforts are being directed. This is good policy and a necessary step to maintain the public's confidence in the decisions made by state lawmakers."

The legislation mirrors the language of a rule adopted by the Senate in January 2003 requiring lobbyists to register and report spending for their activities relating to lobbying the Senate. It is the only lobbyist disclosure requirement currently in effect in the Commonwealth.

Senator Pippy said his amendment would not include elected or appointed officials – such as township supervisors, managers or solicitors – who go to Harrisburg as part of their assigned duties to discuss matters with state lawmakers. "This provision is for professional lobbyists who are retained by political subdivisions," he said.

Senator Jubelirer voiced his support for Senator Pippy's amendment.

"Senator Pippy appropriately introduced this amendment," Senator Jubelirer told the Committee, "and it makes it a better bill."

SB 1 is now headed to the full Senate for consideration.

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Contact: Matt Campion

724.262.2260