Solomon, Rigby highlight bill to ban gifts for Pa. public officials
Rep. Jared G. Solomon, Rep. Jim Rigby April 7, 2025 | 3:46 PM
HARRISBURG, April 7 – State Reps. Jared Solomon, D-Phila., and Jim Rigby, R-Cambria/Somerset, have introduced legislation (H.B. 744) that would ban gifts at $50 or more for all Pennsylvania public officials.
Solomon said that Pennsylvania needs a gift ban to restore trust in government and prevent improper influence and corruption.
“Pennsylvania is one of the few states in our nation that has no limits on how much lobbyists can gift public officials,” said Solomon, D-Phila. “It's past time to bring this accountability to Pennsylvania.”
“As public servants, we should not be accepting gifts from lobbyists or special interest groups. We are, and should be, held to a higher standard. This legislation will help maintain the integrity of office by putting in place restrictions on gifts to legislators,” said Rigby, R-Cambria/Somerset.
The lawmakers said reasonable exceptions are accounted for in the bill, such as expenses reimbursed for transportation, lodging or hospitality when a public official is invited to take part in an event, conference or similar occurrence related to their work.
The bill has bipartisan support. It has been referred to the House State Government Committee for consideration.