House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda

Co-sponsorship of Legislation –In the near future, I will be reintroducing legislation (House Bill 921 and House Bill 922 of the 2011-2012 Legislative Session) that will allow for the recall of all state, county and local officials in Pennsylvania, with the exception of judicial officers. This legislation must be introduced as two separate bills – one that amends the Constitution of Pennsylvania and another that amends Title 65 (Public Officials) of Pennsylvania’s Consolidated Statutes. It is my sincere hope you will join me in this important effort.

The vast majority of public officials serve their constituents with the utmost honor and go to work every day trying to solve the various concerns and problems faced by their constituencies. However, some elected officials abuse the public trust and engage in actions that are unlawful and disrespectful to the office they hold. Considering this, a number of states such as Arizona, California, New Jersey and Wisconsin permit the recalling of both state and local officials. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania currently does not have a recall process for elected officials.

My legislation would allow all persons elected by the public in the executive or legislative branch of the Commonwealth or any political subdivision of the state to be recalled by the voters from which the officer is elected for malfeasance or nonfeasance. Under my proposal, if an applicable court finds probable grounds for recall after the holding of a public hearing, a qualified elector may circulate a recall petition. The signature requirement for the petition is equal to 25 percent of the total number of votes cast for all candidates for the office to which the recall is demanded for statewide officers or members of the General Assembly or 35 percent of the total number of votes cast for all other public officials. If the appropriate number of signatures are gathered and verified by the appropriate election official, the recall election shall be held at the next primary or general election.

Ensuring our voters have the tools necessary to hold elected officials responsible for their actions is important in maintaining public trust in our electoral system.