Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR106

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

Appointing and empowering a committee to investigate the conduct of the Honorable Steven D. Stambaugh, Court of Common Pleas Judge for the 19th District of York County.

Impact

If passed, HR106 will empower the Judiciary Committee to embark on a comprehensive investigation and will clarify the procedures involved in assessing a judge's conduct in Pennsylvania. The resolution aims to ensure accountability within the state's judiciary, addressing any allegations against Judge Stambaugh with due process. The committee will have the necessary tools to thoroughly assess the evidence and make informed recommendations regarding potential impeachment, should the findings warrant such action. This initiative reinforces the system of checks and balances inherent in state governance.

Summary

House Resolution 106 aims to appoint and empower the House Judiciary Committee to investigate the conduct of Honorable Steven D. Stambaugh, a judge serving on the Court of Common Pleas for the 19th District of York County. This resolution is a significant legislative measure that addresses potential misbehavior in office by a sitting judge, establishing a process for reviewing and determining whether impeachment proceedings are warranted. The resolution outlines specific authorities granted to the committee, enabling it to gather testimony, subpoena witnesses, and review pertinent documents related to the judge's conduct.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HR106 appears to be serious and measured, considering the implications of investigating a sitting judge. Supporters of the resolution may view it as an essential mechanism to maintain judicial integrity and public confidence in the judicial system. On the other hand, there could be apprehensions regarding the potential political ramifications of impeaching a judge, highlighting the delicate balance of maintaining judicial independence while ensuring accountability. The discussions may elicit a range of perspectives depending on political affiliations and views on judicial oversight.

Contention

Notable points of contention may arise regarding the conduct under investigation, the political motivations behind the resolution, and the processes by which the committee will operate. Critics may argue that such investigations could undermine judicial independence or be misused for political gain, while proponents are likely to counter that accountability is paramount to uphold the integrity of the judiciary. The resolution sets a precedent for how similar cases might be handled in the future, pointing to larger discussions about judicial conduct and the oversight mechanisms that govern it.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR44

Appointing and empowering the Judiciary Committee to conduct an investigation.

PA HR39

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.

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 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 HB1437

Providing for liability for false claims, for adoption of congressional intent of the Federal False Claims Act, for damages, costs and civil penalties, for powers of Attorney General, for qui tam actions and for civil investigative demands.

PA HR21

Adopting permanent rules for the House of Representatives, further providing for questions of order, for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for members' and employees' expenses, for order of business, for general appropriation bill and non-preferred bills, for consideration of bills, for third consideration and final passage bills, for hospital and home appropriations or acquiring lands of the Commonwealth, for House and concurrent resolutions, for standing committees and subcommittees, for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees, for Committee on Rules, for discharge of committees, for lay on the table, for previous question, for members required to be present and vote and for financial interests in gaming entities, providing for vote by designation and further providing for Committee on Ethics.

PA HR416

Directing the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a study and issue a report on the court system's financial stability and its dependence on fines and fees.

PA HR276

Amending House Rules 1 E, 2.1 E and 3 E, further providing for definitions, for professional conduct and for Committee on Ethics.

PA HR23

Amending the Operating Rules of the House of Representatives For Special Session No. 1 (2023) On Providing Justice To Otherwise Barred Victims Of Childhood Sexual Abuse, providing for definitions, for ethical conduct, for professional conduct and for Committee on Ethics.

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.

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