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Pennsylvania House of Representatives
09/16/2024 03:22 PM
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/Legis/CSM/showMemoPublic.cfm?chamber=H&SPick=20230&cosponId=42777
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House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024 Regular Session

MEMORANDUM

Posted: May 31, 2024 12:35 PM
From: Representative Jason Ortitay
To: All House members
Subject: Updates to the Higher Education Gift Disclosure Act
 
In the near future, I intend to introduce a bill to update the Higher Education Gift Disclosure Act. This is a critical step towards increasing transparency and accountability in the financial relationships between Pennsylvania's colleges and universities and foreign entities.

Key provisions of the legislation include:
  1. Lowering the disclosure threshold for foreign gifts from $100,000 to $50,000, ensuring greater transparency for significant foreign contributions.
  2. Requiring the disclosure of gifts made to affiliated entities of colleges and universities, preventing the circumvention of reporting requirements.
  3. Mandating the submission of disclosure reports electronically and the creation of a searchable, sortable public database by the Department of Education, enhancing accessibility and oversight.
  4. Prohibiting colleges and universities from accepting gifts of any amount from prohibited donors, safeguarding our institutions from potential foreign influence.
  5. Imposing penalties for willfully or intentionally accepting a gift from a prohibited donor, including civil penalties, loss of status as an institution of purely public charity, withholding State appropriations and State grants, or debarment or suspension under the Procurement Code.
This bill is a proactive measure to protect the integrity of Pennsylvania's higher education system. By increasing transparency, the bill enables the public and policymakers to better understand the scope and nature of foreign financial ties to our colleges and universities. The prohibition on gifts from prohibited donors further strengthens our institutions against undue foreign influence.

I believe this legislation strikes the right balance between encouraging international educational partnerships and ensuring that such relationships do not compromise the independence and security of our colleges and universities. The updates provide a framework for responsible engagement with foreign entities while prioritizing transparency and accountability.

I urge your support for the amended Higher Education Gift Disclosure Act. By working together, we can create a stronger, more transparent, and more secure higher education system for Pennsylvania.
 




Memo Updated: May 31, 2024 12:36 PM