PA HB556

Public officials, public employees, and their spouses are prohibited from soliciting or accepting transportation, lodging, hospitality, cash, or gifts from persons who have business relationships with their governmental body, lobby their governmental body, are regulated by their governmental body, or have economic interests affected by their official duties.

Exceptions include gifts from relatives and non-lobbyist friends, lawful campaign contributions, informational materials, contest prizes, honorary academic degrees, job-related training, educational policy missions, government-paid items, commemorative plaques, and light refreshments at group events.

Training and educational mission exceptions do not apply if the sponsoring organization is funded by a registered lobbyist or principal.

The gift disclosure threshold is lowered from $250 to $50 per year from the same source, and the transportation/lodging reimbursement disclosure threshold is lowered from $650 to $0 annually.

The act takes effect 60 days after enactment.