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PA SB851
Bill
Status
6/18/2025
Primary Sponsor
Michele Brooks
Click for details
AI Summary
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Reduces Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice terms from 10 years to 4 years, while maintaining 10-year terms for other judges and 6-year terms for Philadelphia municipal court judges and justices of the peace
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Eliminates retention elections for Supreme Court justices, requiring them to stand for competitive election at the end of each term rather than a yes/no retention vote
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Preserves retention election eligibility for all other judges (Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, Common Pleas, etc.) who may file for retention and serve additional terms if voters approve
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Requires passage by two consecutive sessions of the General Assembly followed by voter approval at a general or municipal election as a single ballot question
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Introduced by Senators Brooks and Mastriano on June 18, 2025, and referred to the State Government Committee
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 State Government
6/18/2025