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Jubelirer Unveils Revamped Lobbyist Disclosure
Measure
HARRISBURG -- The
hoped-for replacement for a 1998 lobbyist disclosure law narrowly overturned by
the state courts is being introduced by Senator Robert C. Jubelirer, who said
the new version is designed 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.
“The need for a comprehensive law that encompasses
all lobbyists, and the public benefits resulting from substantial disclosure,
are indisputable points. Those who were instrumental in approving the previous
law committed that we would find a way to craft a new law, which would provide
equal standards of disclosure yet also stand up under any potential court
challenge. During the short time the prior law was in effect, it provided a
reliable and revealing look at the universe of lobbyist spending,” Jubelirer
stated.
“There are more than a few significant and
controversial matters being debated or considered by the General Assembly, with
a lot of players pouring a lot of money into trying to influence the outcomes.
It is important for Pennsylvanians to see who is lobbying, what they are
spending to impact public policy, and where their efforts are being directed.
Taxpayers deserve action on this good government bill,” he noted.
With the exception of some changes to address court
concerns about responsibility for oversight of lawyers, the bill provides a
system that closely resembles the approach contained in the 1998 law. The
measure requires lobbyists and principals to register every two years, and to
report their spending four times a year.
The state Supreme Court opened the door for a
revised law by issuing an order late last year indicating that lawyer/lobbyists
could be required to abide by properly drawn disclosure requirements. One of
the key changes in this proposal involves the Disciplinary Board of the Supreme
Court in receiving information and handling investigations pertaining to
lawyer/lobbyists. The Department of State will house the regular filings. The
state Ethics Commission will conduct audits and undertake some investigations.
The state Attorney General will provide high-level enforcement, along with the
Disciplinary Board.
The bill is expected to have bipartisan sponsorship,
including Senate Democrat Leader Robert Mellow.
The Senate adopted a rule in January 2003 to require
lobbyists to register and report spending for their activities relating to
lobbying the Senate. It is the only lobbyist disclosure requirement currently
in effect.
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Highlights of the Lobbying Accountability Act
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