In the 2019 – 2020 legislative session, the Pennsylvania General Assembly voted to approve PA HB 38, a constitutional amendment that would empower our state legislature to create judicial districts for Pennsylvania’s higher courts. The bill was pushed through without public hearings, expert testimony or any hint of due diligence. A constitutional amendment must be passed in two consecutive sessions before going to the citizens for a vote.
The last week of January of the 2020- 2021 session, the judicial redistricting amendment (HB 38) was not voted on before the House recessed, suggesting that public pressure on representatives to vote “No” was effective. It is thought that the majority party did not have the votes to pass the bill. However, it is anticipated that another attempt to pass HB 38 will occur before the session is over. If HB 38 passes, it will be placed on the ballot for the voters.
Our speakers will present an overview of the Pennsylvania State Courts, explain HB 38 and why the bill is a dangerous precedent for our courts and what you can do to help stop HB 38.
