The Ballot Access Improvement Act aims to streamline the process for candidates seeking to appear on ballots in Pennsylvania. It establishes clear definitions for various election-related terms and outlines the requirements for candidates to submit either a nomination petition or a nomination petition filing fee to the Department of State or the appropriate county board. The bill specifies the offices affected, including federal, state, and local positions, and sets forth the amounts for nomination petition filing fees, which range from $3,000 to $38,500 depending on the office sought. Additionally, it mandates that all funds collected from these fees be used solely for election-related costs.

The legislation also introduces specific filing deadlines for nomination petitions and fees, as well as requirements for issuing receipts that provide candidates with essential information regarding campaign finance obligations. The Secretary of the Commonwealth is tasked with certifying candidates who comply with the new regulations, and the Department of State is responsible for developing rules to enforce the act. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.