Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HR185

Introduced

4/9/25

Refer

4/9/25

Caption

Amending House Rule 45 (a), further providing for government oversight committee.

Impact

The implementation of HR185 is set to reinforce the role of the Government Oversight Committee, which would significantly affect how investigations are conducted concerning public trust and government accountability. By establishing a detailed procedure for the committee's operations, including the requirement for meetings to have a specified advance notice and the ability to conduct hearings at various locations, the resolution aims to streamline oversight processes. Additionally, it emphasizes the importance of confidentiality for referred matters until determined otherwise by the committee, which may influence public perception of transparency in legislative reviews.

Summary

House Resolution 185 (HR185) seeks to amend House Rule 45(a), specifically addressing the structure and functions of the Government Oversight Committee within the Pennsylvania General Assembly. The resolution proposes a defined composition of the committee, allowing for nine members - five from the majority party and four from the minority party, appointed by their respective leaders. This amendment aims to enhance the committee's ability to conduct investigations and oversee government actions, particularly in relation to executive agencies and administrative actions, ensuring that proper legislative oversight is maintained throughout the term of the assembly.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding HR185 appears generally supportive among those advocating for stronger government accountability measures. Proponents argue that clearer rules and structure for the Oversight Committee will enhance its effectiveness, ultimately benefitting the democratic process. However, some critics express concerns regarding the potential for partisanship in the committee's function since the majority party holds more seats, which could lead to investigations being influenced by political agendas rather than being purely objective.

Contention

Notable points of contention include apprehensions about the oversight powers given to the committee as defined in HR185. The fact that investigation matters are to be kept confidential unless both the majority and minority chairs agree to make them public raises concerns about transparency. Critics worry that while the intent is to bolster government oversight, the mechanisms established could instead enable political manipulation under the guise of oversight, potentially undermining the public's trust in legislative processes.

Latest PA HR185 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HR185

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HR168

Amending House Rules 43 and 45, further providing for standing committees and subcommittees and for powers and duties of standing committees and subcommittees.

PA HR158

Amending House Rule 14, further providing for members' and employees' expenses.

PA HR21

Adopting, with exceptions, the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives (2021-2022) as the Rules of the House of Representatives for Special Session No. 1 (2023), further providing for supervision of Hall of the House and committee rooms, for debate, for time of meeting, for order of business, for standing committees, for powers and duties of standing committees and for Committee on Rules.

PA HR408

Amending House Rule 66 (a), further providing for vote by designation.

PA HR430

Amending House Rule 35, further providing for House and Concurrent Resolutions.

PA HR2

Adopting, with exceptions, the General Operating Rules of the House of Representatives (2021-2022) as the Rules of the House of Representatives for Special Session No. 1 (2023), further providing for debate, for time of meeting, for order of business, for standing committees, for powers and duties of standing committees and for Committee on Rules.

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 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 HR254

Amending House Rule 21(b), further providing for consideration of bills.

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