It’s been a busy few weeks in the PA House, with more focus on legislative rules than we would have thought possible. The outcome is not perfect, but it is an encouraging step toward a more responsive legislative process.
From February 21 to 24, the House held a Special Session to address a statutory window for claims to be filed by childhood sexual abuse survivors. Rules put in place to streamline those proceedings raised strong objections from the minority party, but the final votes on proposed bills were surprisingly bipartisan. There were two separate bills intended to address the issue. House Bill 1, a constitutional amendment, passed easily 161 Yea to 40 Nay, with all Democrats and 59 Republicans voting for the measure. House Bill 2, a statutory approach that could be passed quickly rather than go to referendum, also passed easily, 134 Yea to 67 Nay, with all Ds and 32 Rs voting yes. Both measures were sent to the Senate, where Majority Leader Joe Pittman made clear there would be no action on either bill. You can read more about that special session here.
The House reconvened this week on February 28 for the first regular session day since January 3. Speaker Mark Rozzi began with reflections on his Listening Tour and the need to fix Harrisburg, then resigned so Majority Leader Joanna McClinton could be nominated in his place. After nominating speeches for McClinton and a minority candidate, McClinton was elected on a strict party line, 102 D to 100 R, becoming the first woman speaker in PA history, and the 2nd person of color to lead the PA House.
On March 1, the House gathered to consider rules for the remainder of the session. In most past sessions, the vote on rules has been hurried through with little discussion and scant attention. This year, that vote was preceded by weeks of attention with Speaker Mark Rozzi’s Listening Tour, plus extended discussion in both caucuses.
More details on process and outcome are available in our latest Fair Districts PA update.
The bottom line: there are changes to the rules that will make it more likely for bipartisan solutions to receive a vote.
There are also changes to protect the constitutional amendment process and to allow minority members more voice in committee.
An important change receiving much public attention: for the first time ever, the rules include protections against discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment, in any interactions with PA House representatives “in or on House designated offices, property or facilities; or at a House-sponsored meeting or event.”
As might be expected, some legislators, long accustomed to rules benefiting their party, are complaining loudly about changes. In reality the changes will benefit members of both parties, no matter who holds the majority. More importantly, the changes open the door to more robust representation and the hope that needed reforms may find an avenue forward.
Better House rules won’t ensure action in the Senate. And even with better rules, voter attention will be needed.
We are celebrating significant progress, but there’s still much work to do.
Join us as we continue to work for redistricting reform, fair legislative rules and a legislative process that serves the people of Pennsylvania well.
Carol Kuniholm
Fair Districts PA Chair
