HARRISBURG, PA – October 29, 2025 − Today, State Senator James Andrew Malone (D-36, Lancaster) announced he introduced new gift ban legislation to increase trust in government by banning elected officials from accepting gifts, perks, or favors from people and entities seeking to influence them. The legislation (SB 1081) is a companion bill to State Representative Jared Soloman’s (D-202, Philadelphia) bipartisan Gift Ban legislation and would prohibit any elected officials, public employees, and candidates for public office from accepting cash gifts or gifts exceeding $50 in total from a single source per calendar year.
“Public trust is the foundation of good governance,” said Senator Malone. “Pennsylvanians should be able to trust that their elected officials and public servants are working for them and not wealthy individuals, corporations, and their lobbyists. We are one of only a few states without a comprehensive gift ban, and it’s time to change that. Our constituents deserve to feel confident that decisions in Harrisburg are made in their best interest—not as favors to those with influence. I urge all our legislators to support this bill”
Currently, under Pennsylvania law, lawmakers can accept unlimited gifts from anyone as long as they disclose items more than $250 in value on annual interest forms. Senator Malone and Representative Soloman’s legislation creates common-sense restrictions that will restore faith between the public and elected officials by banning large gifts outright.
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