Pennsylvania Act 1939-15 — POLITICAL ASSESSMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FORBIDDEN

Act text

POLITICAL ASSESSMENTS AND CONTRIBUTIONS FORBIDDEN
                   Act of Apr. 6, 1939, P.L. 16, No. 15               Cl. 25
                                  AN ACT

     To prohibit assessments and demands for contributions for
        political purposes; and providing a penalty.

        The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
     hereby enacts as follows:

        Section 1.  It shall be unlawful for any political committee
     or any member, employe or agent thereof, or for any public
     officer or employe, or any other person whatsoever, directly or
     indirectly, to demand from any public officer, subordinate or
     employe holding any office or position of honor, trust or profit
     under this Commonwealth, or otherwise engaged or employed in the
     service of the Commonwealth, or employed by, or in any way
     engaged in the service of, any political subdivision, or from
     any person receiving any public assistance whatsoever from the
     Commonwealth or the United States, directly or through
     employment on public works, or any person, association or
     corporation desiring or having a contract with, or a
     certificate, license or permit from, the Commonwealth or any
     political subdivision, any assessment or percentage of any money
     or profit, or their equivalent in any thing of value, with the
     understanding, express or implied, that the same may be used or
     shall be used for political purposes: Provided, however, That
     nothing in this act contained shall be construed to prohibit
     voluntary contributions to any political committee or
     organization for legitimate political and campaign purposes to
     the extent such contributions are not prohibited by law.
        Section 2.  Any person who violates any of the provisions of
     this act shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and, on conviction
     thereof, shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term not
     exceeding one (1) year, or to pay a fine not exceeding one
     thousand dollars ($1,000), or both, in the discretion of the
     court.
        Section 3.  This act shall become effective immediately upon
     its final enactment.