Bill > SB1134

This bill amends Pennsylvania law regarding how vacancies in judicial offices are filled. It changes the process for filling vacancies for judges and magisterial district judges, requiring the Governor to first solicit applications for at least 30 days. After applications are received, they will be published online for at least 30 days, during which time the public can submit comments. These comments will then be provided to the relevant Senate committee. The bill also mandates that a public, broadcasted confirmation hearing be held for nominees to the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, courts of common pleas, and magisterial district judge positions, with equal time for questions from both majority and minority members of the committee. The Governor still makes the appointment, but it requires the advice and consent of two-thirds of the elected Senators for most judicial positions, or a majority for magisterial district judges. The appointed official will serve until the next municipal election or the remainder of the unexpired term, whichever is shorter.

Justice

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1134