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PAC Management Information

In Pennsylvania, managing a Political Action Committee (PAC) for a non-profit involves adhering to specific rules and regulations designed to ensure transparency and accountability. Here’s an outline of key areas to consider, along with resources where you can find more detailed information:

  1. Registration and Reporting
  • Registration Requirements: A PAC must register with the Pennsylvania Department of State if it intends to raise or spend money to influence elections.
  • Regular Reporting: PACs must regularly file campaign finance reports detailing all contributions received and expenditures made.
  1. Contribution Limits
  • Limits on Contributions: There are specific limits on how much individuals, corporations, and other entities can contribute to a PAC. These limits vary based on state laws and the type of PAC.
  • Prohibitions: Certain types of contributions, like those from foreign nationals, are prohibited.
  • Source: PACs can accept contributions from individuals or partnerships, but not directly from corporations or unincorporated associations.
  • Voluntary: Contributions from employees or members to a PAC must be voluntary, and this must be documented in writing and kept for three years.
  • Documentation: Contributions aggregating over $250 during a reporting period must be documented, including the full name and mailing address of the contributor, and if the contribution is over $250, also the occupation, employer, and principal place of business.
  • Transparency: Individuals and PACs can contribute an unlimited amount of money to campaigns in Pennsylvania. However, federal law restricts donations to federal candidates: Individuals can give up to $3,500 per election, while PACs are capped at giving $5,000 per election.
  • Limitations on Corporate Funds: While associations can cover the costs of establishing and administering the PAC, they cannot transfer corporate funds directly to the PAC. 

 

  1. Disclosure and Transparency
  • Public Disclosure: PACs must publicly disclose their financial activities and donor information to ensure transparency.
  • Record Keeping: It is crucial for PACs to keep detailed records of all contributions and expenditures for a period as defined by state law.
  • Frequency: PACs must file campaign finance reports according to prescribed schedules, including a report on January 31st each year reflecting activity from the prior year.
  • 24-Hour Reporting: Any contribution or pledge of $500 or more received within 15 days before an election must be reported within 24 hours.
  • Transparency: Communications that "expressly advocate the election or defeat of a candidate or ballot question" must disclose who paid for the communication and the name of any affiliated or connected organization. 

 

  1. Use of Funds
  • Purpose: Funds raised by a PAC can only be used for political activities, such as supporting candidates or lobbying for legislation related to the non-profit’s interests.
  • Prohibited Uses: Funds cannot be used for personal expenses of PAC managers or other non-political activities.
  1. Legal Compliance and Ethics
  • Compliance with State Laws: PAC managers must ensure compliance with all relevant state laws and regulations. Resources linked below.

 

Notes:

  • Enforcement: The Attorney General or District Attorneys have the authority to enforce Pennsylvania's campaign finance laws.
  • Recordkeeping: The PAC treasurer is required to keep records of contributions for three years.
  • Affiliated organizations: If an employee of a registrant serves as an officer of a PAC in a personal capacity, and the PAC's mission is unrelated to the registrant's, it is not considered an affiliated PAC. 

Resources:

Here are some key resources and documents:

  • Campaign Finance Forms and Reports: This section includes all necessary forms and documentation for campaign finance reporting in Pennsylvania. Details can be found directly on the Pennsylvania Department of State's website here.
  • Frequently Asked Questions: Link HERE
  • Campaign Finance Reporting Law: Document from DOS found HERE
  • The Lobbying Disclosure Law
    • The Lobbying Disclosure Law may be found at 65 Pa.C.S. § 13A01 et seq.  The Pennsylvania Department of State is responsible for administering the registration and reporting requirements.
    • --> LINK HERE