Bill > HB1897

This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to modify how vacancies are filled in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Currently, when a vacancy occurs in either legislative house, a writ of election is issued to fill the position for the remainder of the term. The proposed amendment introduces a new process where each member, at the beginning of their term, would provide their Chief Clerk with a list of three individuals who could be appointed to fill a vacancy if the member dies. If such a vacancy occurs, the presiding officer of that legislative house would then select one person from the member's pre-submitted list to serve temporarily until a special election can be held to permanently fill the position. The selected interim appointee must meet the same qualifications and eligibility requirements as other General Assembly members. The bill also outlines the procedural steps for implementing this constitutional amendment, which include passage by the General Assembly, advertising by the Secretary of the Commonwealth, and eventual submission to qualified voters at a general or municipal election.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1897