PennsylvaniaJudges would appoint district attorneys to serve out vacant terms
In covered Pennsylvania counties, judges would fill district attorney vacancies with qualified appointees who would serve the rest of the term.
What it does
In covered counties, judges would appoint the qualified first assistant district attorney to finish a vacant term. If that person cannot or will not serve, judges would choose another qualified person.
Local charters could not override applicable state rules for district attorney vacancies. District attorneys would fall outside the listed process for municipal councils to appoint replacement officers.
Argument forLetting an appointed district attorney finish the term could give the office steadier leadership without an election during that term.
Argument againstVoters could lack a chance to choose the replacement district attorney during the remaining term because judges would fill the vacancy.
More detail
County judges would appoint a district attorney to serve the rest of a vacant term. The rule would cover Pennsylvania counties classified as 2A or third through eighth class. Judges would have to appoint the first assistant district attorney if that person meets the legal qualifications and is willing and able to serve. Otherwise, judges would appoint another competent person who meets those qualifications. The appointment provisions would take effect immediately upon enactment.
Local governments would follow state limits on how they fill district attorney vacancies. These provisions concern home rule charters, which set local government rules, and governments using optional plans under state law. The charter limit would apply where state laws govern the relevant class of local governments. These provisions would take effect immediately upon enactment.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 22Act No. 95 of 2026Latest
- Oct 22Approved by the Governor Josh ShapiroBecame Law
- Oct 21Presented to the GovernorTo Governor
- Oct 20Signed in House
- Oct 19Signed in Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 19Third consideration and final passagePassed House
- Oct 19Re-reported as committedMinor
- Oct 6Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Oct 6Second considerationMinor
- Oct 5Removed from table
- 2025
- Nov 17Laid on the table
- Nov 17First considerationMinor
- Nov 17Reported as committedMinor
- Nov 12
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Judiciary): Report Bill As Committed. Result: pass.Lower
- Oct 21Referred to JudiciaryMinor
- Oct 20Third consideration and final passagePassed Senate
- Vote recorded FINAL PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Appropriations): Re-Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 20Re-reported as committedMinor
- Oct 8Re-referred to AppropriationsMinor
- Oct 8Second considerationMinor
- Oct 7First considerationMinor
- Vote recorded Committee vote (Local Government): Reported as Committed. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 7Reported as committedMinor
- Mar 10Referred to Local GovernmentIntroduced
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