Legislative Infobits

A few notes from the state senate and house for the past few days.

HB 1399 was introduced in the state house on May 15.  It amends the Pennsylvania Election Code by adding in fees to filing election petitions; the fees will go to the state's general fund.  I can't tell from the language if it is a fee for each individual petition (which could be pricey) or for the campaign generally.  The fees are graduated with, for example, a $200 fee for president and $100 for state house and senate.

HB 1403, also introduced on May 15, changes the Pennsylvania Election Code, in the section regarding recounts.  The bill changes this phrase:

A candidate for a public office which appears on the ballot in every election district in this Commonwealth was defeated by one-half of a percent or less of the votes cast for the office. This subclause includes a candidate for retention to a Statewide judicial office.

to this phrase

A candidate for a public office which appears on the ballot in a countywide election or in an election in a State legislative district was defeated by one-half of a percent or less of the votes cast for the office.

I have no idea what effect this would have on elections.