PRINTER'S NO. 3173
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
2340
Session of
2024
INTRODUCED BY FLICK, KHAN, HAMM, JOZWIAK, CABELL AND GILLEN,
MAY 28, 2024
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY, MAY 28, 2024
AN ACT
Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in general structure and
powers, further providing for Chief Justice and president
judges.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. Section 325(a) and (b) of Title 42 of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes are amended and the section
is amended by adding a subsection to read:
ยง 325. Chief Justice and president judges.
(a) [General rule] Supreme Court.--The Chief Justice of
Pennsylvania [and the president judges of all courts with seven
or less judges] shall be the judge longest in continuous service
on [their respective courts] the Supreme Court. In the event of
[his] the judge's resignation from this position the judge next
longest in continuous service shall be the Chief Justice of
Pennsylvania [or the president judge]. Should any two or more
judges of the [same court] Supreme Court assume office at the
same time, they shall cast lots forthwith for priority of
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
commission, and certify the results to the Governor who shall
issue their commissions accordingly.
[(b) Courts of eight or more judges.--The president judges
of all courts with eight or more judges shall be selected for
five-year terms by the members of their respective courts. In
the event of a tie vote for the office of president judge, the
Supreme Court shall appoint as president judge one of the judges
receiving the highest number of votes.]
(b.1) Other courts.--The president judges of all courts
shall be selected for three-year terms by the members of the
respective court. In the event of a tie vote, the Supreme Court
shall appoint as president judge one of the judges receiving the
highest number of votes.
* * *
Section 2. This act shall take effect in 60 days.
20240HB2340PN3173 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15