Bill > HR77

This resolution directs the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC), a research arm of the Pennsylvania legislature, to conduct a comprehensive study exploring the potential transition of the General Assembly from a full-time to a part-time legislature. The study will involve an in-depth review of legislative structures in all 50 states, examining factors such as session length, legislature size, representative-to-population ratios, legislator salaries, instances of political corruption, and overall legislative costs. The resolution specifically requires the LBFC to analyze Pennsylvania's legislative history, explain the constitutional amendment process, identify key considerations for potential legislative reform, and estimate potential cost savings from various part-time legislative models. The committee is encouraged to leverage existing studies and resources in its research. The LBFC must prepare a detailed report with findings and recommendations and submit it to all General Assembly members within 18 months of the resolution's adoption. This study comes in a context where Pennsylvania currently has the second-largest state legislature in the nation and is one of only 10 states with a full-time legislature, despite many similarly populated states maintaining part-time legislative bodies.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=R&bn=77