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PA HB2029

Bill

Status

Introduced

11/17/2025

Primary Sponsor

Russ Diamond

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Proposes amending the Pennsylvania Constitution to eliminate retention elections for justices and judges, replacing them with competitive re-elections at the end of each term
  • Removes the current system where judges file a declaration of candidacy and voters simply vote "yes" or "no" on whether to retain them without party designation
  • Requires vacancies occurring at the expiration of an appointive term to be filled by regular election rather than the current retention process
  • Maintains judicial eligibility for re-election subject only to existing retirement provisions
  • Requires the General Assembly to pass the amendments twice, with the Secretary of the Commonwealth advertising the changes and submitting them to voters as a single ballot question at a general election

Legislative Description

A Joint Resolution proposing integrated amendments to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, further providing for election of justices, judges and justices of the peace and vacancies and for tenure of justices, judges and justices of the peace.

Last Action

Referred to Judiciary

11/17/2025

Committee Referrals

Judiciary11/17/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available