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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2015 - 2016
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | June 26, 2015 04:25 PM |
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| From: | Representative Jaret Gibbons |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Public Official Recall – Reintroduction of House Bill 1679 & House Bill 1680 - PACKAGE |
| In the near future, I will be reintroducing legislation (House Bill 1679 and House Bill 1680 of the 2013-2014 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 – HB1679 amends the Constitution of Pennsylvania and HB1680 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. To help accomplish this goal, please join me in co-sponsoring this important piece of legislation. |
Document #1
Introduced as HB1676
| Description: | (former HB1679 - Proposing an amendment to the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, providing for recall of elected public officers. | |
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| View Attachment | ||
Document #2
Introduced as HB1677
| Description: | (former HB1680) - Amending Title 65 (Public Officers) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, providing for recall petition process, for review of recall petitions, for recall election and for prohibited practices. | |
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| View Attachment | ||