An Act providing for ballot access; and imposing duties on the Department of State.

This bill, known as the Ballot Access Improvement Act, establishes a new option for candidates in Pennsylvania to gain access to the ballot by paying a filing fee instead of submitting a traditional nomination petition. It applies to a wide range of offices, including federal positions, statewide roles, and local judgeships, allowing candidates to choose between the standard petition process or a direct fee payment. The legislation sets specific fee amounts based on the office sought, ranging from $3,000 for state representatives to $38,500 for the presidency, and outlines how these funds will be distributed to counties and the Department of State for election administration. Additionally, the bill defines strict deadlines for fee payment, mandates the issuance of receipts to candidates, and clarifies that these fees are non-refundable even if a candidate withdraws.