Pennsylvania SB 97: An Act amending Titles 65 (Public Officers) and 74 (Transportation) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities, for statement of financial interests and for penalties; in lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties; and, in Turnpike Commission standards of conduct, further providing for code of conduct.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 52
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
SENATE BILL
No. 97
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY BAKER, PENNYCUICK, PHILLIPS-HILL, FONTANA, COSTA,
STEFANO AND SCHWANK, JANUARY 22, 2025
REFERRED TO STATE GOVERNMENT, JANUARY 22, 2025
AN ACT
Amending Titles 65 (Public Officers) and 74 (Transportation) of
the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in ethics standards
and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions,
for restricted activities, for statement of financial
interests and for penalties; in lobbying disclosure, further
providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties;
and, in Turnpike Commission standards of conduct, further
providing for code of conduct.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The definitions of "aggregate" and "gift" in
section 1102 of Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated
Statutes are amended and the section is amended by adding
definitions to read:
§ 1102. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the
meanings given to them in this section:
* * *
["Aggregate." The total of all gifts received from a single
source as provided in section 1105(b)(6) (relating to statement
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of financial interests).]
* * *
"Gift." [As defined in section 13A03 (relating to
definitions).] Money, virtual currency or a thing of value
received, other than income, for which a consideration of equal
or greater value is not received. The term shall not include the
following:
(1) A gift from a person other than a principal or
lobbyist that is valued at $50 or less. Gifts under this
paragraph shall be limited to $250 annually.
(2) A political contribution reported in accordance with
law.
(3) A gift from a parent, sibling, spouse, child,
stepchild, stepparent, stepsibling, grandparent, grandchild,
parent-in-law , sibling-in-law or other close relative when
the circumstances make it clear that the motivation for the
action was a personal or family relationship, including an
invitation to attend a personal or family social event.
(4) A devise, bequest, intestate estate distribution or
principal distribution of a trust.
(5) A gift available to the public or offered to members
of a group or class in which membership is not related to
being a public official or public employee.
(6) An award or prize given to competitors in any
contest or event open to the public, including a random
drawing.
(7) An award, plaque and other ceremonial item valued at
$100 or less that is publicly presented or intended to be
publicly presented in recognition of public service of the
type customarily bestowed at similar ceremonies or that are
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otherwise reasonable.
(8) An honorary degree bestowed by a public or private
college or university.
(9) A gift of nominal value, including, but not limited
to, a greeting card, pen, cap or t-shirt.
(10) Informational material.
(11) An item paid for by Federal, State or local
government.
(12) Complimentary attendance or food and beverage at a
bona fide charitable or political event.
(13) Food and beverage for consumption at any of the
following:
(i) A public event, including a public meeting.
(ii) An event directly related to the official or
employee's duties or responsibilities.
(iii) An event where the official or employee is a
speaker or a member of a panel.
(iv) A regularly scheduled event sponsored by a
constituent, Federal organization, Statewide organization
or nonprofit organization.
(14) Gifts exchanged between public officials and their
staffs on a voluntary basis.
(15) Gifts given on the basis of legitimate personal
friendship.
(16) Entertainment provided as part of an event at a
private residence for a nonofficial purpose.
* * *
"Lobbyist." Any individual, association, corporation,
partnership, business trust or other entity that is registered
as a lobbyist under Chapter 13A (relating to lobbying
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disclosure).
* * *
"Official action." An administrative action or legislative
action, as those terms are defined in section 13A03 or an
equivalent action taken by a political subdivision.
* * *
"Principal." Any individual, association, corporation,
partnership, business trust or other entity that is registered
as a principal under Chapter 13A.
* * *
"Virtual currency." A digital representation of value that:
(1) is used as a medium of exchange, unit of account or
store of value; and
(2) is not legal tender, whether or not denominated in
legal tender.
Section 2. Section 1103 of Title 65 is amended by adding a
subsection to read:
§ 1103. Restricted activities.
* * *
(k) Gifts.--No public official or public employee shall
accept or solicit a gift from any of the following:
(