Bill > SB851

This bill proposes constitutional amendments to change how justices and judges are elected and serve in Pennsylvania. The key provisions include modifying the election and appointment process for justices and judges, including reducing the regular term of office for justices from ten to four years and maintaining a ten-year term for most judges. The bill allows the Governor to fill judicial vacancies through appointment, with Senate approval, and introduces a retention election process where judges can seek to continue in their role by submitting a declaration of candidacy. Notably, the bill specifically excludes Supreme Court justices from being eligible for retention elections. The amendments also provide a mechanism for voters to potentially choose a different method of judicial selection, allowing them to vote on whether statewide court justices and judges should be appointed by the Governor from a list provided by the Judicial Qualifications Commission instead of being elected. The proposed changes would be submitted to Pennsylvania voters as a single ballot question at the first eligible general or municipal election, following the constitutional amendment process of requiring passage by the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions and then voter approval.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=851