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Pennsylvania General Assembly
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The Pennsylvania General Assembly is the state legislature of the U.S. state of Pennsylvania. The legislature convenes in the State Capitol building in Harrisburg. From 1682 to 1776, the legislature was known as the Pennsylvania Provincial Assembly. Following the Constitution of 1776, written by American revolutionaries, the legislature has been known as the General Assembly. The General Assembly became a bicameral legislature in 1790.
Membership
The General Assembly has 253 members, making it the second-largest state legislature in the nation (behind New Hampshire) and the largest full-time legislature. It consists of a Senate with 50 members and a House of Representatives with 203 members. Republicans hold a 29-21 majority in the Senate. The Democrats currently hold a 102-101 majority in the House; however, a moderate Republican, Dennis M. O'Brien, is Speaker.
The Pennsylvania general elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November in every even-numbered year. A vacancy for a seat must be filled by special election. The presiding officer of the respective house sets the date for such elections.
Senators must be at least 25 years old and Representatives at least 21 years old. They must also be citizens and inhabitants of the state for a minimum of four years, living in their respective districts for at least one year. Individuals who have been convicted of various felonies, including embezzlement, bribery, and perjury, are ineligible for election. The Pennsylvania Constitution also adds the category of "other infamous crimes" which can be broadly interpreted by state courts. No one who has been previously expelled from the General Assembly may be elected in the future.
Legislative districts are drawn every 10 years following the U.S. Census. Districts are drawn by a five-member commission, of which four members are the majority and minority leaders of both houses (or their delegates). The fifth member (and chairperson of the committee) is appointed by the other four and may not be an elected or appointed official. If the leadership cannot decide upon a fifth member, the State Supreme Court may appoint the chairperson.
While in office, legislators cannot hold civil office. Even if a member resigns, the Constitution states that the individual may not be appointed to civil office for the duration of the original term for which they were originally elected.
Legislative Sessions
The General Assembly meets at noon on the first Tuesday of January and then regularly throughout the year. Both houses adjourn on November 30 in even numbered years when the terms of all members of the House and half the members of the Senate expire. Neither body can adjourn for more than three days without the consent of the other.
The Governor of Pennsylvania may call a special session in order to press for legislation on important issues. Most recently, a special session was called for the purpose of property tax reform.
The Assembly meets in the Pennsylvania State Capitol which was completed in 1906. Under the Pennsylvania Constitution, the Assembly must meet in the City of Harrisburg and can only move if given the consent of both chambers.
General assembly leadership
Speaker of the House of Representatives: Dennis M. O'Brien (R) [1]
President Pro Tempore: Joseph B. Scarnati III (R)
(x) Retiring
See also
Sources
External links
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