Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR39

Introduced

3/16/23

Refer

3/16/23

Caption

Establishing, authorizing and empowering the Select Committee on the 2020 Election to investigate, review and make findings and recommendations concerning elected officials in this Commonwealth who attempted to influence the results of the 2020 General Election.

Impact

The establishment of the Select Committee under HR39 may lead to significant implications for state laws concerning election integrity and oversight. It invites examination of existing laws governing election conduct and could result in recommendations that strengthen the legal framework around elections. If the committee finds merit in claims of manipulation or undue influence, it may prompt changes to enforcement mechanisms or regulations impacting future elections.

Summary

House Resolution 39 (HR39) seeks to establish a Select Committee tasked with investigating and reviewing the actions of elected officials in relation to the 2020 General Election. This fresh inquiry aims to determine if any individuals attempted to influence the election results, thereby potentially undermining the integrity of the democratic process. By empowering this committee, HR39 emphasizes the need for accountability among elected officials and reaffirms the commitment to fair electoral practices.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR39 is highly charged and polarized. Supporters argue that the bill is a necessary step toward ensuring election integrity and public trust in government, while detractors fear that it may be used as a political weapon against specific officials. The discourse reflects broader national concerns about electoral fidelity, with various stakeholders expressing strong opinions on the motives and potential consequences of this investigation.

Contention

Points of contention regarding HR39 center around the perceived implications of investigating elected officials and the potential for politicization of the inquiry. Critics warn that the bill could exacerbate divisions, encouraging partisan attacks rather than constructive dialogue. Furthermore, there are concerns about overreach and the appropriateness of the committee's power to review actions taken by public officials, raising questions about the balance of authority within the state legislature.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR35

Establishing, authorizing and empowering the Select Committee on the Strategic Competition Between Pennsylvania and the Chinese Communist Party to investigate, review and make findings and recommendations concerning the status of the Chinese Communist Party's economic, technological and security progress and its competition with this Commonwealth.

PA SB1651

Elections; hand count audit; selection

PA HB998

Conduct of elections; electoral board to meet and ascertain results.

PA HB2603

Establishing the citizens' election oversight board to review, investigate and report on citizen complaints on the conduct of elections and election procedures.

PA SB1316

Elections; conduct of election, election results, post-election forensic audits.

PA HR501

Establishing, authorizing and empowering the Select Committee on the Trump Assassination Attempt to investigate, review and make findings and recommendations concerning the planning, response and coordination of Federal, State and local law enforcement agencies at the Trump campaign event on July 13, 2024, and the best practices for law enforcement entities to ensure the safety and security of the public and highly visible individuals at such events in the future.

PA SB221

Amending statutes concerning election officials, election crimes and election procedures.

PA SB34

Election results; requiring post-election audits for certain election results in randomly selected counties. Emergency.

PA S419

Establishing an early electronic voting option for municipal elections

PA HB2086

Amending statutes concerning election procedures and election officials.

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MI HB4870

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