As released by the Office of Rep. Daryl Metcalfe:

Metcalfe Signals Prompt Legislative Action to Ban Corrupt Cash Gifts

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania House State Government Committee Majority Chairman, Representative Daryl Metcalfe (R-Butler), has released a co-sponsor memorandum urging bipartisan support for his soon-to-be introduced legislation to ban cash gifts.

Metcalfe’s legislation is anticipated to include language that would prohibit legislators, public officials and public employees who are subject to the provisions of the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act from accepting cash gifts from individuals, including lobbyists and the principals they represent. This limitation would not apply to gifts provided by close family members when the motivation for the gift is of a personal nature.

“In light of recent evidence that points to a confidential informant allegedly bribing four Philadelphia lawmakers with cash-filled envelopes and due to Pennsylvania’s Attorney General Kathleen Kane’s blatant refusal to prosecute or even fully investigate these alleged acts of corruption, the time is now to ensure that this unethical activity is deemed completely illegal,” said Metcalfe. “Whether it’s my legislation or one of several other similar reform bills that have been previously introduced, the bipartisan effort to ban illegal bribes from tarnishing the halls of the Pennsylvania state Capitol should begin with the House State Government Committee.”

As with other legislation pertaining to the Public Official and Employee Ethics Act, it is expected that Metcalfe’s legislation will be referred to the House State Government Committee for consideration.