Pennsylvania SB1134: An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in selection, retention and removal of judicial officers, further providing for vacancies in office.

What the bill says

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in selection, retention and removal of judicial officers, further providing for vacancies in office.

From the introduced text, January 9, 2026:

Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in selection, retention and removal of judicial officers, further providing for vacancies in office. The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania hereby enacts as follows: Section 1. Section 3132(a) of Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended and the section is amended by adding a subsection to read: § 3132. Vacancies in office. (a) [General rule] Procedure.-- (1) Except as provided in [subsection] subsections (a.1) and (b), a vacancy in the office of judge or magisterial district judge shall be filled by appointment by the Governor following the required period of public comment as provided in subsection (a.1). The appointment shall be with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the members elected to the Senate, except in the case of magisterial district judges which shall be by a majority. (2) Prior to voting on the confirmation of any nominee for appointment to the Supreme Court, Superior Court, Commonwealth Court, a court of common pleas or a magisterial district judge, a public, broadcasted confirmation hearing shall be conducted in which equal time is reserved for questions from the majority and the minority members of the designated committee to which the nomination has been referred. (3) The person so appointed shall serve for a term ending …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Lindsey Williams (D, 38) · primary sponsor
• Anthony Williams (D, 8)
• Maria Collett (D, 12)
• Katie Muth (D, 44)
• Arthur Haywood (D, 4)
• Timothy Kearney (D, 26)

Latest actions

1. January 9, 2026: Referred to JUDICIARY, Jan. 9, 2026

Common questions

What is SB1134?

SB1134 is a bill in the Pennsylvania Legislature (2025-2026 Regular Session): An Act amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in selection, retention and removal of judicial officers, further providing for vacancies in office.

What does SB1134 do?

In its own words: Amending Title 42 (Judiciary and Judicial Procedure) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, in selection, retention and removal of judicial officers, further providing for vacancies in office.

What is the status of SB1134?

In committee as of January 9, 2026. Latest action: Referred to JUDICIARY, Jan. 9, 2026 (January 9, 2026).

Who sponsored SB1134?

Lindsey Williams (D, 38), with 5 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB1134?

On the Pennsylvania Legislature website: https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/sb1134