PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB948

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB948

Introduced
10/3/23  

Caption

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for courts of common pleas.

Impact

If enacted, SB 948 will result in a re-evaluation of the distribution of judicial positions across Pennsylvania's various judicial districts. By explicitly stating the number of judges for each district, the bill aims to foster a more organized judicial system. This could expedite legal proceedings and reduce case backlogs, ultimately leading to a more effective judicial process. For districts that are currently understaffed, the bill presents an opportunity to address these disparities and enhance legal access for constituents in those areas.

Summary

Senate Bill 948 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas. The bill outlines the specific number of judges allocated to each judicial district in Pennsylvania, reflecting a structured approach to managing judicial resources and improving efficiency within the court system. This legislative proposal is an attempt to clarify and potentially streamline the court processes throughout the state, ensuring that each district has an adequate number of judges to handle its caseload effectively.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 948 appears to be largely positive, with legislators recognizing the need for judicial reform to address the challenges faced by the court systems. Stakeholders from various sectors, including legal advocates and public officials, express support for initiatives that aim to optimize the functionality of the courts. However, there may also be underlying concerns about how these changes will impact existing judges and whether any district will experience displacement or adjustments that could alter local judicial dynamics.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise from the specific allocation of judges to districts, as some regions might feel shortchanged compared to others. Disparities in judicial resource distribution could lead to debates among legislators about fairness and the appropriate criteria for determining the number of judges per district. Additionally, concerns related to budgetary implications and the potential need for increased funding to accommodate any new judges introduced by the bill could provoke discussions among state financial committees.

Latest SB948 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB361

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for courts of common pleas.

PA HB747

In organization of appellate courts, further providing for reassignment of matters; and, in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for original jurisdiction and venue.

PA HB412

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in magisterial district judges, further providing for jurisdiction and venue.

PA SB475

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

PA HB1237

In organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in sentencing, further providing for modification or revocation of order of probation.

PA HB1192

In courts of common pleas, further providing for problem-solving courts; and, in minor courts, providing for the Mothers Treatment Court Pilot Program.

PA HB1572

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission and for meetings of commission.

PA HB202

In Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission and for meetings of commission.

PA HB1423

In district attorney, assistants and detectives, further providing for filling of vacancies; in general provisions relating to home rule and optional plan government, further providing for limitation on municipal powers; and, in general provisions common to optional plans, further providing for manner of filling vacancies in office.

PA SB253

Establishing the Nonnarcotic Medication Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program; in organization and jurisdiction of courts of common pleas, providing for court assessments for substance use disorder treatment; in other criminal provisions, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for supervisory relationship to offenders.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.