Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1737

Introduced

7/16/25

Refer

7/16/25

Caption

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions and for registration.

Summary

HB1737 amends Pennsylvania’s lobbying disclosure law in Title 65 by adding a definition of “public official” and by creating a new registration restriction for lobbyists. Under the bill, a public official who is convicted of a felony crime on or after the bill’s effective date would be prohibited from registering as a lobbyist under the lobbying disclosure chapter. The bill is narrowly focused on eligibility to register as a lobbyist and does not otherwise change the broader lobbying disclosure framework. It would take effect 60 days after enactment, and its practical effect would be to bar certain convicted public officials from entering the lobbying registration system in Pennsylvania.

Impact

HB1737 would amend Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically the lobbying disclosure provisions in Chapter 13A. It adds a cross-referenced definition of “public official” and creates a categorical registration bar for any public official convicted of a felony on or after the effective date. The bill would affect former or current public officials seeking to become registered lobbyists, and it would give the state a clearer statutory basis to deny registration in those circumstances.

Sentiment

No committee transcript or vote history is available, so there is no recorded debate or roll-call evidence showing support or opposition. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to reflect a reform-oriented, ethics-focused approach to lobbying regulation, with an emphasis on restricting access to lobbying registration for felony-convicted public officials.

Contention

The main point of potential contention is whether a felony conviction should automatically disqualify a public official from registering as a lobbyist, regardless of the nature of the offense or how much time has passed. Supporters would likely frame the measure as an ethics and public trust safeguard, while opponents could argue it is overly broad, punitive, or unnecessarily limits post-service employment opportunities. Because no discussion transcript is provided, no specific lawmakers or stakeholder groups are identified as taking those positions.

Latest PA HB1737 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB1737

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB278

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for registration, for reporting, for exemption from registration and reporting and for administration; and making an editorial change.

PA SB808

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for registration, for exemption from registration and reporting, for prohibited activities, for administration and for penalties; and making an editorial change.

PA SB97

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.

PA SB221

In lobbying disclosure, further providing for prohibited activities.

PA SB66

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities and for penalties.

PA HB2074

In voter registration, further providing for residence of electors; and, in uniform military and overseas voters, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1704

In general provisions relating to residential real property, further providing for definitions; in seller disclosures, further providing for disclosure form and providing for website information and for flood disclosure; and imposing duties on the Insurance Department.

PA SB488

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register and for government agencies, providing for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; and, in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA HB609

In general provisions relating to residential real property, further providing for definitions; and, in seller disclosures, further providing for application of chapter and providing for disclosure of construction defects.

PA HB2210

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in registration of vehicles, further providing for issuance of registration card, for registration card to be signed and exhibited on demand and for acknowledgment of littering provisions.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.