PA House State Government — 2026-10-06

Thank you. Thank you.

Chairwoman Hill-Evans. Here. Representatives Boyd. Designation.

Davidson.

Howard. Designation.

Probst. Designation.

He is online with us.

Schusterman. Designation.

Webster. Designation.

Representatives Banta.

Brown. Diamond.

Schaefer. Designation.

Weak next.

Thank you, Madam Chair. House Bill 1327, sponsored by Representative Davidson, would prohibit a person from offering or promising a gift, cash reward, goods, or anything of value to another person to encourage them to register to vote, vote in an election, or refrain from voting.

Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you for moving me to the top of the agenda as I'm late for the groundbreaking for the Pennsylvania Fallen Firefighter Memorial. This is a pretty simple bill. I think all of us have seen the pernicious influence of money in politics. That has taken many forms over our lifetimes. And recently, in past recent elections, we've seen the influence of billionaires or their associated political action committees either give grants directly to our county election offices or offer raffles or monetary incentives to register to vote, sign a petition, or cast a vote. I think we can all agree that getting money out of politics is something that we can all get behind. It takes many different forms, but this is a pretty simple one. You know, this body has taken action in the past to prohibit those donations to county election offices. I think this is in the same vein as those efforts to keep billionaires out of our politics. Thank you, Madam Chair, for your consideration.

Chair Roy. Thank you, Madam Chair. It's like the way the bill works as far as like what is like a valuable thing. Like if there's a voter registration drive pizza party, would you be able to give somebody pizza and a drink or is that considered a valuable thing?

So like in the bill, it states any gift or reward in money, comma, goods or other valuable thing to any person. So when it says goods or other valuable thing to any person, that sounds like it's something other than money because money is mentioned separately.

Chair, I'd like to point you to the language in the bill that says, for the purposes of this section, the term other valuable thing includes a chance to win a lottery or similar prize drawing contest.

Page 2, line 19 to 21. Also page 3, line 2 to 3.

Are there any other discussions on House Bill 1327? Those in favor of reporting the bill will vote yes. Those opposed will vote no. Sonia, please call for the vote.

Brennan? Designation, yes.

Green. Genst. Designation, yes.

Inglis. Designation, yes. Kenyatta. Designation, yes.

Sanchez. Designation, yes. Schusterman. Designation, yes.

Webster. Designation, yes.

Representative Spanta.

Brown. Diamond.

Schaefer. Yes, by designation.

Walsh? Yes, by designation.

The motion passes. And the bill will be reported as committed. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Chair. Senator, or sorry. Senate Bill 1183, sponsored by Senators Culver and Piscitano, updates reporting thresholds for charitable organizations that have not been updated since 2017. The ranges proposed in the bill would align our state laws with federal law and other states' reporting frameworks.

Thank you, Chair Hill-Evans and Chair Rowe and all the committee members for considering this bill. The legislation is a practical update to the Pennsylvania Charitable Financial Reporting Requirements under the Solicitation of Funds for Charitable Purposes Act. Nonprofit organizations serve our communities in countless ways. They support families, they provide services, they strengthen neighborhoods, and they help meet needs that are often very personal and very local. Because of that work, we should have state requirements that are clear, reasonable, and aligned with today's cost. Senate Bill 1183 would update the thresholds that determine whether a registered charitable organization must obtain an audit, a review or a compilation of its financial statements by an independent certified public accountant. These thresholds have not been updated since 2017. Since then, nonprofits and accounting professionals have faced rising costs, increased regulatory complexity, and workforce challenges in the CPA profession. Under Senate Bill 1183, charitable organizations receiving $1 million or more in annual contributions would be required to obtain an audit by an independent CPA. The The current threshold for that is 750,000. Organizations receiving at least 500,000, but less than a million, would be required to obtain a review or an audit. And organizations receiving 150 but less than 500 would be required to obtain a compilation review or audit up to their organization For organizations receiving less than annual contributions a compilation review or audit would be optional. The bill does not remove accountability. Larger charitable organizations that manage substantial resources would still be subject to audit requirements. What it does, though, is it makes sure the requirements are scaled appropriately based on the size of the organization and the level of risk involved. For smaller and mid-sized nonprofits, the cost of these accounting services can be significant. In some cases, dollars could otherwise support programs and services instead of going toward compliance costs that no longer reflect current economic realities. This is especially challenging in rural and underserved areas where there may be fewer accounting firms available to perform these services. Senate Bill 1183 provides for relief of nonprofit organizations while also recognizing the strain these requirements place on understaffed accounting professions. This bill would help ensure that limited CPA resources are focused where they are most needed while maintaining transparency and public protections. The legislation is supported by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Pennsylvania Association of Nonprofit Organizations. This is also a bipartisan effort with Senator Piscitano and is a companion to House Bill 965 introduced by Representative Swalsbury. Thank you for your consideration, and I respectfully ask for an affirmative vote.

Thank you, Chairwoman Hill Evans and Chairman Roy. We are just over here to breathe the nice House air. As former members of the House, you know, you guys have better lights or something over here. It's brighter over here. But we appreciate you guys being willing to take up this bill, which passed the Senate unanimously. In addition to Senator Culver's remarks, I would just offer for the committee the information that since 2017, when these were last raised due to rampant inflation, 36.6% increase in prices. There has been a 36% increase in cumulative prices since the last time these were updated, meaning that more folks are falling into these buckets requiring some of these services that were not in those buckets before. because the prices have risen over that cost. At the same time, audit costs have increased due to a shortage of CPAs across the Commonwealth and across the nation. And so we are trying to right-size the requirements for these audits to ensure that folks are not being put into a bucket and forced to pay for services that are not necessarily providing a value to the public just because of an arbitrary threshold that has not risen with inflation. And so we're happy to answer your questions and hope that the committee will report the bill formatively. Thank you.

Just a comment.

Thank you, Chairman. Thank you for bringing this bill, Senator Culver, Senator Piscatano. You know, I'm a professional as well, formerly an attorney. Our accountants do so much work for nonprofits, too. And a lot of times, you know, as representing pro bono some of our nonprofits, it just hurts so much to see people with purpose trying to do whatever cause it is they're doing that's in the public good and then to be straddled with the costs of doing that as well. And this is one of those bills that really just make it easier for people to be a better part of their community. I had represented everyone I did a lot of pro bono sometimes voluntarily, sometimes involuntarily but police organizations mounted unit a little Irish Catholic church animal welfare groups and when our communities are functioning as best as they can, people are chipping in and helping others and this bill will make it a little bit easier for some of those people who are picking up and doing the right thing so thank you both for bringing this forward it definitely is going to be an improvement in the law and make things a little bit easier for our nonprofit communities.

Senate Bill 1303 by Senator Martin would authorize the Department of General Services to coordinate with the Moose Organization to place the American Braille Flag Monument in the east wing of the Capitol as a tribute to honor and remember our blind and visually impaired service veterans.

Amendment 04445 would insert the American Braille Flag Project into the language and require DGS to work with the Moose organization alongside the project for the placement of the monument.

Chairwoman Hill Evans?

representatives Boyd Brennan Davidson green against Howard yes English

Sanchez.

Waxman.

Chair Roy. Yes.

Barger.

Brown. Yes, by designation. Diamond. Yes, by designation.

Schaefer? Yes, by designation.

Walsh? Yes, by designation.

The motion passes unanimously. Thank you. The amendment is agreed to. Will the committee report the bill as amended? Is there any discussion on the bill? and with that I just want to take an opportunity to thank Senator Martin and his staff for generously having the statue of the American Braille flag brought to our meeting today for everyone to see so at this time I invite you to come and share with everyone please it's quite amazing

And while he's doing that, I would like to acknowledge that we have been joined online by Representative Inglis and also Representative Howard. Those in favor of reporting the bill will vote yes. Those opposed, no. All Democrats will be voting yes. And Republicans will be voting yes. Thank you. So the bill will be reported as amended. Thank you very much. Next on our agenda is Senate Bill 782 by Senator Ward, printers number 844. Hannah, please read a summary of the bill.

Okay, will the committee report the bill? And the chair recognizes Representative Struzzi joining us.

Chair Roy, do you have any no's?

Okay. Those in favor of reporting the bill will vote yes. Those opposed, no. All Democrats will be voting yes, and Republicans will be voting yes. So thank you very much. The bill will be reported as committed.

Thank you for joining us. Next on our agenda is House Resolution 599, printers number 3838. Hannah, please read a summary of the resolution.

I'm honored to represent the great city of York and sponsor this resolution, which would designate November 15th as Articles of Confederation Day and acknowledge the city of York for the important role it played in the growth of our nation. While taking refuge from the potential British invasion of Philadelphia, the Continental Congress gathered in York, where they drafted and adopted the Articles of Confederation in 1777. The Articles of Confederation was the first written constitution of our nation and the first legal document to refer to the 13 colonies as the United States of America. I hope you will all join me in voting yes to recognize this important time in our history and the valuable contributions of the City of York. Those in favor of reporting the resolution will vote yes. Those opposed, no. Are there any discussions on the resolution? Representative Fink.

Are there any other discussions or questions on the resolution? Okay. Those in favor of reporting the resolution will vote yes. Those opposed, no. Sonia, please call for the vote.

Yes.

Designation, yes.

Bonner.

Fink. No. Kozak. Yes, by designation.

Wallin. Yes, by designation.

Weaknecht. Yes, by designation.

Hannah, please read a summary of the resolution. House Resolution 607 by Representatives Sanchez and Greiner would designate the week of November 16 through 20, 2026, as Certified Public Accountant Week in Pennsylvania.

Representative Sanchez. Thank you so much, Madam Chair. And just very briefly, I want to encourage all members to support this in support of a very noble profession in the Commonwealth and all across the world, really, certified public accountants. And we've taken this resolution up several times in my tenure in the state committee meeting, in the state government committee and would ask that we do it one more time. Always a nice bipartisan thing with my fellow certified public accountant, Representative Greiner, and always gets nice bipartisan support. So thank you so much.

Thank you, Chairwoman. This resolution, I could actually get on board with this resolution. However, I would like to see one little thing added. We love our CPAs. In fact, I think we should have more CPAs here in the legislature, maybe more CPAs than lawyers. That's just my opinion. But if we have more CPAs or if in the resolution we would add that every legislator should be required to meet with an actual CPA to discuss the budget, maybe our budget wouldn't be $5 billion over revenue. Thank you.

Chairwoman Hill-Evans?

Representatives Boyd?

Brennan?

Designation, yes.

Designation, yes.

Inglis.

Kenyatta.

Probst.

Designation, yes.

Designation, yes.

Webster.

Chiaroy. Yes.

Barger.

Bonner.

yes by designation diamond yes by designation fink kozak yes by designation schaefer yes by designation wallen yes by designation

Mike, would you please read a summary of the resolution? Thanks. House Resolution 638, sponsored by Representatives Delosier and Hill Evans, is a resolution recognizing the month of October 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

Thank you for joining us. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to the members for calling this up. Thank you to both chairmen. You know, as we go through this and resolutions, House Resolution 638 would recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Chairman Hill-Ovens and I have partnered on this for a number of years, so thank you for that. And, you know, as with all resolutions, it's education and shining a light on an issue. And I would just say at this particular point in time, a little frustration. I've done this resolution pretty much every year that I've been here, and I am coming to the end of my term, but the end result in frustration is the fact that we're still doing them. And for domestic violence to be educated and to recognize the fact that over, on average, about 100 people every single year are killed by domestic violence issues is very frustrating. And when you bring it up to the fact that when you look at how we treat each other and how we trust in those that are supposed to love us the most, and those are the ones that hurt us the worst. So tragically, many of us in this room have witnessed the impact of domestic violence within our own families and communities. Seeing such a widespread impact, we know that these aren't isolated events. And according to the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence Fatality Report, over the last five years, an average of 100 people have died per year as a result of domestic violence. One in three women and one in four men will experience domestic violence. And at some point in their lifetimes, they will realize that they are that victim. Pennsylvanians killed each year because those who were meant to love and protect them the most became the most terrifying threat These victims represent every walk of life across ages races incomes and education levels and they come from every corner of our Commonwealth But they're not just statistics. They were mothers, daughters, sisters, brothers, friends who enriched our communities and were lost to us. No one should ever feel alone or believe that they must face domestic violence and silence. Help and resources are available, and we have dedicated professionals and supportive networks across the Commonwealth that stand ready to guide victims towards safety, strength, and recovery, and not only to be that victim, but then to be that survivor. This resolution sends a powerful message that we try to do each and every year to remind people that when you see somebody that might need help to say something, to ask that question, to be a champion for that particular person, and possibly be the voice that they may not have at that particular moment. We must continue to raise awareness and shifting public perception because no person deserves to be a victim of domestic violence. And with that, I ask your support of House Resolution 836. Madam Chairman, thank you very much.

Sonia, if you would please.

Sonia, please call the vote. Chair Hill Evans. Yes. Representatives Boyd. Designation, yes. Brennan. Davidson. Designation, yes. Green. Genst. Designation, yes. Howard. Inglis. Designation, yes. Kenyatta. Designation, yes. Probst. Sanchez. Designation, yes.

Designation yes

Webster

Chair Roy

Barger

Bonner

Yes by designation

Yes by designation

Yes by designation

Yes by designation

Yes, by designation.

Yes, by designation.

Yes, by designation. The motion passes. And the resolution will be reported as committed. Chair, thank you very much for joining us.

House Resolution 645 by Representatives Daley and Hill-Evans would designate October 20, 2026 as Domestic Violence Awareness Day in honor of the 50th anniversary of the PA Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Thank you, Chair Hill-Evans. And I appreciate the resolution that you just passed. This one is slightly different, but it is on the same topic of domestic violence, unfortunately. But this one would designate October 20, 2026, to mark the 50th anniversary of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence in the Process. 50 years is a remarkable milestone. Sure. Is this better? Oh, it is better. 50 years is a remarkable milestone when Susan Kelly Dreyas co-founded the coalition in 1976 it was the first statewide domestic violence coalition in the nation Susan had been inspired by her own experience of growing up in a violent home where she witnessed her mother's abuse at the hands of her father while her mother had sought help no support was available to her or to the other women facing the hidden scourge of domestic violence. The coalition's work over the past 50 years helped open the public's eye to this scourge as others around the country heard that they successfully lobbied the state legislature to pass bills to give some basic protections to battered spouses. This led to an additional outcome. The coalition helped bring about the system of domestic violence coalitions that are now found in every state of the nation, helping people find safety and rebuild their lives. But if there's one thought I want each of you to keep in mind as you prepare to vote on this resolution, it's this. The fact that we have made strides against domestic violence over the past 50 years does not mean that we have solved it, and we're not even close. Domestic violence is the leading cause of death for pregnant women in America. Domestic violence happens to people of every background, every socioeconomic status, and domestic violence was behind the deaths of 119 Pennsylvanians last year. So when we take the time to recognize Domestic Violence Awareness Day and month, we tell our constituents that we believe survivors, that they deserve somewhere to turn for support, and that this help exists. I ask for a positive vote for this resolution. Thank you.

Chair Hale-Evins? Yes. Representatives Boyd? Designation, yes. Brennan?

Chair Roy? Yes. Representatives Banta? Barger? yes by designation bonner brown yes by designation diamond yes by designation think Kozak yes by designation Schaefer yes by designation Wallen yes by designation Walsh yes by designation Week Nick yes by designation the motion passes

Thank you, Chair.

What, we did that? Oops, sorry.

House Resolution 632 by Representative Bellman would recognize the week of October 5th through 9th as National Voter Education Week in Pennsylvania.

Chair Roy? Yes. Representatives Banta, Barger, yes by designation, Bonner, Brown, yes by designation, Diamond, yes by designation, Fink, Kozak, yes by designation, Schaefer, yes by designation, Wallen, yes by designation, Walsh, yes by designation, Weeknacht, yes by designation. The motion passes.

Oh, well, no. Well, I guess so. It's been nice working with you guys. So I think a lot of us will probably be back to this committee next session. So, but yeah, thank you.

Thank you. Thank you.