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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2023 - 2024
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 9, 2023 02:45 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Jared G. Solomon and Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Requiring all Elected Officials to Resign upon Conviction |
| As public servants, we have been elected to represent our constituents and promote the general welfare of our districts. Every elected officer from a county council member to the Governor must make a similar promise to serve faithfully and carry out the responsibilities of their office with integrity. This is difficult to do when facing criminal sentencing. To provide greater accountability, this constitutional amendment would require elected officials to resign upon being convicted of a crime. This amendment would require courts to interpret the language of Article VI, Chapter VII of the Constitution of Pennsylvania as it was originally written. Under current case law, courts have interpreted the Constitution to mean removal upon sentencing rather than conviction. Once convicted, the public cannot hold faith in that person to fulfill their duties. In addition, the publicity created by the conviction of an elected official steers attention away from decision-making at every level of government. Without this legislation, a convicted official may remain in their position until sentencing – needlessly disrupting regular proceedings and day-to-day business. For this reason, I ask that you please join us in requiring all elected officials to resign upon conviction. Your consideration is greatly appreciated. |
Introduced as HB485