Pennsylvania State Senate

Pennsylvania State Senate
General Information
Party control:	Republican
Session start:	January 6, 2026
Session end:	November 30, 3026
Term length:	4 years
Term limits:	None
Redistricting:	Commission
Salary:	$110,015.54/year + per diem
Members
Total:	50
Democrats:	23
Republicans:	27
Other:	0 (independent)
Vacancies:	0
Leadership
President:	Austin Davis (D)
Maj. Leader:	Joe Pittman (R)
Min. Leader:	Jay Costa (D)
Elections
Last election:	November 5, 2024
Next election:	November 3, 2026

The Pennsylvania State Senate is the upper chamber of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Alongside the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, it forms the legislative branch of the Pennsylvania state government and works alongside the governor of Pennsylvania to create laws and establish a state budget. Legislative authority and responsibilities of the Pennsylvania State Senate include passing bills on public policy matters, setting levels for state spending, raising and lowering taxes, and voting to uphold or override gubernatorial vetoes.

The Pennsylvania State Senate meets in the state capitol building in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

Twenty-five of the state Senate's 50 seats are up for election in 2026.

Twenty-five of the state Senate's 50 seats were up for election in 2024. Republicans maintained their 28-22 majority.

Pennsylvania has a divided government where neither party holds a trifecta. The Democratic Party controls the office of governor and the lower chamber of the state legislature, while the Republican Party controls the upper chamber of the state legislature.

This page contains the following information on the Pennsylvania State Senate.

• Which party controls the chamber
• The chamber's current membership
• Partisan control of the chamber over time
• Elections in the chamber and how vacancies are filled
• A district map
• How redistricting works in the state
• Legislation under consideration
• Legislative session dates
• Legislative procedures, such as veto overrides and the state budget process
• A list of committees

Party control[edit]

Current partisan control[edit]

The table below shows the partisan breakdown of the Pennsylvania State Senate as of January 2026:

Members[edit]

Leadership[edit]

The lieutenant governor serves as president of the Senate, but has no vote except in the case of a tie. The president pro tempore is elected by the Senate from its members.^[1][2]

Leadership and members[edit]

• Senate president: Austin Davis (D)
• Senate president pro tempore: Kim Ward (R)
• Majority leader: Joe Pittman (R)
• Minority leader: Jay Costa (D)

Salaries[edit]

See also: Comparison of state legislative salaries

State legislative salaries, 2025[3]
Salary	Per diem
$110,015.54/year	$198/day

Swearing in dates[edit]

See also: When state legislators assume office after a general election

Pennsylvania legislators assume office on the first day of December after a general election.^[4]

Membership qualifications[edit]

See also: State legislature candidate requirements by state

Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution states:^[5]

“

Senators shall be at least 25 years of age and Representatives 21 years of age. They shall have been citizens and inhabitants of the State four years, and inhabitants of their respective districts one year next before their election (unless absent on the public business of the United States or of this State), and shall reside in their respective districts during their terms of service.[6]

”

Historical party control[edit]

Republicans won control of the Pennsylvania State Senate in 1994. In 2024, they won a 28-22 majority.

The table below shows the partisan history of the Pennsylvania Senate following every general election from 1992 to 2024. All data from 2006 or earlier comes from Michael Dubin's Party Affiliations in the State Legislatures (McFarland Press, 2007). Data after 2006 was compiled by Ballotpedia staff.

Pennsylvania State Senate election results: 1992-2024

Year	'92	'94	'96	'98	'00	'02	'04	'06	'08	'10	'12	'14	'16	'18	'20	'22	'24
Democrats	25	21	20	20	20	21	20	21	20	20	23	20	16	21	21	22	22
Republicans	25	29	30	30	30	29	30	29	29	30	27	30	34	29	29	28	28

Trifecta history[edit]

A state government trifecta is a term that describes single party government, when one political party holds the governor's office and has majorities in both chambers of the legislature in a state government. Between 1992 and 2023, Pennsylvania was under the following types of trifecta control:

• Democratic trifecta: 1993
• Republican trifecta: 1995-2002, 2011-2014
• Divided government: 1992, 1994, 2003-2010, 2015-2023

Pennsylvania Party Control: 1992-2026
One year of a Democratic trifecta  •  Twelve years of Republican trifectas
Scroll left and right on the table below to view more years.

Year	92	93	94	95	96	97	98	99	00	01	02	03	04	05	06	07	08	09	10	11	12	13	14	15	16	17	18	19	20	21	22	23	24	25	26
Governor	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D	D
Senate	R	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R
House	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	R	D	D	D	D

Elections[edit]

Elections by year[edit]

Pennsylvania state senators serve staggered, four-year terms and half of the Senate is up for election every two years. Pennsylvania holds elections for its legislature in even years.

2026[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2026

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate will take place in 2026. The general election is on November 3, 2026. The primary is May 19, 2026. The filing deadline is March 10, 2026.

2024[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2024

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2024. The general election was on November 5, 2024. The primary was April 23, 2024. The filing deadline was February 13, 2024.

In the 2024 elections, Republicans maintained their 28-22 majority.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party		As of November 5, 2024	After November 6, 2024
	Democratic Party	22	22
	Republican Party	28	27
	Vacancy	0	1
Total		50	50

2022[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2022

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2022. The general election was on November 8, 2022. A primary was scheduled for May 17, 2022. The filing deadline was March 28, 2022.

In the 2022 elections, Republicans maintained their majority in the chamber with 28 seats. Democrats gained a net one seat from independents, expanding their minority to 22 seats.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party		As of November 8, 2022	After November 9, 2022
	Democratic Party	21	22
	Republican Party	28	28
	Independent	1	0
Total		50	50

2020[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2020

Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2020. The general election was held on November 3, 2020. A primary was scheduled for June 2, 2020. The filing deadline was February 18, 2020.

In the 2020 elections, Republicans maintained their majority of 28-20 with one independent in the Pennsylvania State Senate. One seat was temporarily vacant when James Brewster (D) was not seated due to pending litigation contesting the November election results. Brewster took office on January 13, 2021.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party		As of November 3, 2020	After November 4, 2020
	Democratic Party	21	21
	Republican Party	28	28
	Independent	1	1
Total		50	50

2018[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2018

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2018. A closed primary election took place on May 15, 2018, and the general election was held on November 6, 2018. The candidate filing deadline was March 6, 2018.

In the 2018 elections, the Republican majority in the Pennsylvania State Senate was reduced from 33-16 to 29-21.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party		As of November 6, 2018	After November 7, 2018
	Democratic Party	16	21
	Republican Party	33	29
	Vacancy	1	0
Total		50	50

2016[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2016

Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2016. The primary election was held on April 26, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016. The candidate filing deadline was February 16, 2016. A total of 25 seats out of the 50 seats in the Pennsylvania State Senate were up for election in 2016.

Heading into the election, Republicans held a 31-19 majority. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 34-16 majority.

Pennsylvania State Senate
Party		As of November 7, 2016	After November 8, 2016
	Democratic Party	19	16
	Republican Party	31	34
Total		50	50

Click [show] to see election information dating back to 2000

2014[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2014 Elections for the Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 20, 2014. The general election was held on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in that election was March 11, 2014. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 27-22 majority with one vacancy. Republicans gained three seats in the election, giving them a 30-20 majority. Pennsylvania State Senate Party As of November 3, 2014 After November 4, 2014      Democratic Party 22 20      Republican Party 27 30      Vacancy 1 0 Total 50 50 2012[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2012 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2012. The primary election was held on April 24, 2012, and the general election was held on November 6, 2012. The candidate filing deadline was February 14, 2012. A total of 25 seats were up for election. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 29-20 majority with one vacancy. Republicans lost two seats in the election, giving them a 27-23 majority. Pennsylvania State Senate Party As of November 5, 2012 After the 2012 Election      Democratic Party 20 23      Republican Party 29 27      Vacancy 1 0 Total 50 50 During the 2012 election, the total value of contributions to the 55 Senate candidates was $26,589,797. The top 10 contributors were:[7] 2012 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Pennsylvania Republican Party $1,794,822 Raja, D $1,103,000 Friends of Dominic Pileggi $866,715 Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $771,990 Pennsylvania Association for Justice $570,800 Northwest Good Government Pac $508,977 Friends of Joe Scarnati $461,100 Pennsylvania Democratic Party $417,045 Gehret, John K $382,045 Pennsylvania State Education Association $351,205 The following table details the 10 districts with the smallest margin of victory in the November 6 general election. 2012 Margin of Victory, Pennsylvania State Senate District Winner Margin of Victory Total Votes Top Opponent District 35 John Wozniak 2% 91,481 Timothy Houser District 15 Rob Teplitz 3.1% 118,643 John McNally District 37 Matthew Smith 5.2% 134,737 D. Raja District 9 Dominic Pileggi 10.8% 131,772 Patricia Worrell District 13 Lloyd Smucker 11.4% 115,134 Tom O'Brien District 29 David Argall 12.3% 101,202 Tim Seip District 47 Elder Vogel 14.1% 100,961 Kimberly Villella District 19 Andy Dinniman 14.9% 145,503 Christopher Amentas District 49 Sean Wiley 20% 101,513 Janet Anderson District 17 Daylin Leach 26.4% 124,215 Charles Gehret 2010[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2010 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate took place in 2010. The primary election was held on May 18, 2010, and the general election was held on November 2, 2010. The candidate filing deadline was March 9, 2010. A total of 25 seats were up for election. Heading into the election, Republicans held a 30-20 majority. No partisan change occurred in the election. Pennsylvania State Senate Party As of November 1, 2010 After the 2010 Election      Democratic Party 20 20      Republican Party 30 30 Total 50 50 During the 2010 election, the total value of contributions to the 53 Senate candidates was $20,772,005. The top 10 contributors were:[8] 2010 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Pennsylvania Republican Party $1,232,940 Volpe Jr., Charles J $690,659 Students First $365,000 Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners $342,650 Pennsylvania Association for Justice $296,200 Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $293,903 Friends of Dominic Pileggi $282,650 Philadelphia Trial Lawyers Association $270,000 Electrical Workers Local 98 $248,000 Templeton Jr., John M $154,500 2008[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2008 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election date on April 22, 2008, and a general election on November 4, 2008. A total of 25 seats were up for election. During the 2008 election, the total contributions to Senate candidates amounted to $30,928,634. The top 10 contributors were:[9] 2008 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Pennsylvania Republican Party $2,433,449 Pennsylvania Democratic Party $1,802,274 Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $1,573,016 Pennsylvania Democratic State Senate Campaign Cmte $771,158 Keystone + Mountain + Lakes Regional Council of Carpenters $482,000 Electrical Workers Local 98 $386,750 Pennsylvania Association for Justice $325,425 Pennsylvania Education Association $306,995 Afscme Council 13 $256,900 Yaw, Gene $228,023 2006[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2006 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 16, 2006, and a general election on November 7, 2006. A total of 25 seats were up for election. During the 2006 election, the total value of contributions to the 63 Senate candidates was $22,233,800. The top 10 contributors were:[10] 2006 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Pennsylvania Republican Party $1,256,608 Pennsylvania Democratic Party $718,713 Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $346,467 Wheaton, Heidi F $334,823 Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association $300,975 Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners $254,440 Morris, Shannon M $200,000 Pennsylvania Education Association $192,430 Democratic State Senate Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $191,700 Pennsylvania Future Fund $175,550 2004[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2004 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election date on April 27, 2004, and a general election on November 2, 2004. A total of 25 seats were up for election. During the 2004 election, the total value of contributions to the 52 Senate candidates was $18,023,643. The top 10 contributors were:[11] 2004 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Pennsylvania Republican Party $925,561 Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $725,764 Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners $331,700 Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association $311,450 Williams, Connie $222,425 Pennsylvania 2100 Cmte $203,000 Marcus, Stephen C $185,000 Pennsylvania Democratic Party $176,693 Electrical Workers Local 98 $168,950 Afscme Council 13 $157,690 2002[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2002 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election date on May 21, 2002, and a general election on November 5, 2002. A total of 25 seats were up for election. During the 2002 election, the total value of contributions to the 53 Senate candidates was $19,135,990. The top 10 contributors were:[12] 2002 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $1,706,366 Pennsylvania Republican Party $926,996 Pennsylvania Democratic Party $700,878 Pennsylvania Future Fund $345,600 Democratic State Senate Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $301,840 Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association $272,550 Casey for Governor Cmte $250,270 Republicans for Maza $231,419 Lewis, Drew $214,627 Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners $158,100 2000[edit] See also: Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2000 Elections for the office of Pennsylvania State Senate consisted of a primary election date on April 4, 2000, and a general election on November 7, 2000. A total of 25 seats were up for election. During the 2000 election, the total value of contributions to the 49 Senate candidates was $10,724,732. The top 10 contributors were:[13] 2000 Donors, Pennsylvania State Senate Donor Amount Senate Republican Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $702,774 Pennsylvania Republican Party $664,839 Democratic State Senate Campaign Cmte of Pennsylvania $422,000 Pennsylvania Trial Lawyers Association $146,100 Heindl, Dennis D $125,000 Marcus, Stephen C $103,500 Pennsylvania State Education Association $80,258 Pennsylvania Association of Realtors $74,625 Metropolitan Regional Council of Carpenters & Joiners $70,200 Ridge Leadership Fund $66,500

Vacancies[edit]

See also: How vacancies are filled in state legislatures

If there is a vacancy in the Pennsylvania General Assembly, a special election must be held to fill the vacant seat. The presiding officer in the house where the vacancy happened must call for an election. There are no deadlines set in the state constitution on when a special election can be held.^[14]

See sources: Pennsylvania Cons. Art. II, §2

District map[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania state legislative districts

The state of Pennsylvania has 50 state Senate districts. Each district elects one senator.

Use the interactive map below to find your district.

Redistricting[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, the statutory authority to draw congressional district boundaries is vested with the Pennsylvania General Assembly. These lines are subject to gubernatorial veto.^[15]

State legislative district lines are drawn by a politician commission. Established in 1968, the commission comprises five members:^[15]

1. The majority leader of the Pennsylvania State Senate appoints one member.
2. The minority leader of the Pennsylvania State Senate appoints one member.
3. The majority leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives appoints one member.
4. The minority leader of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives appoints one member.
5. The first four commissioners appoint a fifth member to serve as the commission's chair. If the commission is unable to reach an agreement, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court must appoint a commission chair.^[15]

The Pennsylvania Constitution requires that state legislative districts be contiguous and compact. Further, state legislative districts should "respect county, city, incorporated town, borough, township and ward boundaries." There are no such requirements in place for congressional districts.^[15]

2020[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Pennsylvania after the 2020 census

On February 4, 2022, the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission voted 4-1 to approve new state House and Senate maps.^[16] House Majority Leader Kerry Benninghoff (R) voted no, while Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward (R), state Rep. Joanna McClinton (D), state Sen. Jay Costa (D), and chairman Mark Nordenberg voted yes.^[16] These maps took effect for Pennsylvania's 2022 legislative elections.

District map after 2020 redistricting[edit]

Click here to view the map. This map took effect for Pennsylvania's 2022 legislative elections.

2010[edit]

See also: Redistricting in Pennsylvania after the 2010 census

Pennsylvania received its local census data on March 9, 2011. The state had a 3.4 percent growth rate from 2000-2010, which was below the national average of 9.7 percent. The five most populous cities in the state did not follow a trend: Philadelphia grew by 0.6 percent, Pittsburgh decreased by 8.6 percent, Allentown grew by 10.7 percent, Erie decreased by 1.9 percent, and Reading grew by 8.5 percent. The county with the largest rate of growth was Forest County with a 56 percent rate of growth.^[17]

On August 17, 2011, the Commission approved the census data and went to work on a preliminary map, which it passed on October 31, 2011, by a 3-2 vote. Final maps were approved on December 12, 2011, by a 4-1 vote. There was a 30-day window to file appeals, during which 11 were filed. The state Supreme Court overturned the maps on January 25, 2012.

The commission met on April 12, 2012, to vote in favor of a compromise map, which contained two Senate district splits, and 68 House district splits. On June 8, the commission approved the final plan, which went to the state Supreme Court for final approval.

Sessions[edit]

Legislation[edit]

The legislation tracker below displays all legislation that the Pennsylvania State Senate has approved in its most recent legislative session—this includes legislation that has been sent from the Senate to the House and legislation that has already been approved by both chambers and signed by the governor. The table below includes the bill number, its name, progress, most recent action date, and sponsor. Scroll up and down and side to side to see more. Click the bill number to read the bill text and see its voting history. Click the headings to sort the content. Rearrange the order of the headings by clicking and dragging them. Click the magnifying glass in the bottom left corner to search for specific terms. The legislation tracker is maintained and updated by BillTrack50.

Dates of legislative sessions in Pennsylvania by year[edit]

2025[edit]

See also: 2025 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2025 state legislative sessions

In 2025, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 7, 2025, and adjourn on December 31, 2025.

Click [show] for past years' session dates.

2024[edit] See also: 2024 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2024 state legislative sessions In 2024, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 2, 2024, and adjourn on November 14, 2024. 2023[edit] See also: 2023 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2023 state legislative sessions In 2023, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 3, 2023, and adjourn on December 13, 2023. 2022[edit] See also: 2022 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2022 state legislative sessions In 2022, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 4, 2022, and adjourn on November 30, 2022. 2021[edit] See also: 2021 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2021 state legislative sessions In 2021, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 5, 2021, and adjourn on December 31, 2021. 2020[edit] See also: 2020 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2020 state legislative sessions In 2020, the legislature was scheduled to convene on January 7, 2020, and adjourn on November 30, 2020. Effect of coronavirus pandemic[edit] See also: Changes to state legislative session dates in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, 2020 Coronavirus pandemic Select a topic from the dropdown below to learn more. Political responses overviewState reopening plansDocumenting America's Path to RecoveryElection changesChanges to vote-by-mail and absentee voting proceduresFederal responsesState responsesState executive ordersStay-at-home ordersMultistate agreementsNon-governmental reopening plansEvictions and foreclosures policiesTravel restrictionsEnacted state legislationState legislative session changesSchool closuresState court closuresInmate releasesLocal government responsesDiagnosed or quarantined politiciansBallot measure changesArguments about government responsesThe 1918 influenza pandemicPandemic Response Accountability CommitteeUnemployment filingsLawsuitsBallotpedia's polling on the coronavirus pandemicSubmit Several state legislatures had their sessions impacted as a result of the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. On March 16, 2020, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives adopted temporary rules that would allow members to cast votes remotely.[18] 2019[edit] See also: 2019 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2019 state legislative sessions In 2019, the legislature was in session from January 1, 2019, through December 18, 2019. 2018[edit] See also: 2018 Pennsylvania legislative session and Dates of 2018 state legislative sessions In 2018, the legislature was in session from January 2, 2018, through November 30, 2018. To read about notable events and legislation from this session, click here. 2017[edit] See also: Dates of 2017 state legislative sessions and State budget conflicts, 2017 In 2017, the legislature was in session from January 3, 2017, through December 31, 2017. Click [show] to read about the 2017 budget debate. On June 30, 2017, the Republican-controlled Pennsylvania General Assembly sent Gov. Tom Wolf (D) a $32 billion spending plan for the fiscal year that began on July 1. The budget increased by 1.6 percent over the 2016-2017 budget, leaving a projected $1.5 billion shortfall from the previous year. Collectively, the state began the 2018 fiscal year with a $2 billion budget gap. The House approved the budget 173-27, while the Senate approved it 43-7. On July 6, the credit-rating agency S&P Global Ratings announced that it had placed Pennsylvania on what it called a "negative credit watch." The agency stated, "Pennsylvania has repeatedly had protracted budget negotiations that failed to result in structural alignment." A decreased credit rating would increase borrowing costs for the state.[19] On July 10, Wolf announced that he would allow the budget to become law without his signature and without a revenue plan in place. In a statement, he said, "In the coming days, it is my hope that the General Assembly will come together to pass a responsible solution to balance our books." In Pennsylvania, the governor has 10 days to sign or veto legislation after receiving it or it automatically becomes law. Wolf did not sign the 2016-2017 state budget either, which also went into effect without a revenue plan in place.[20][21] On July 27, the state Senate, with support from Gov. Tom Wolf (D), passed a revenue package that included a severance tax on gas and oil companies worth an estimated $100 million per year. A severance tax is a tax placed on the extraction of nonrenewable resources. Energy companies in the state opposed the severance tax, arguing that it would make the state less competitive and hurt consumers. The senate plan also proposed increases for utility bills and borrowing $1.3 billion against funds that the state receives from a 1998 legal settlement with tobacco companies. The legislation passed 26-24 with support from both Democrats and Republicans and was sent to the House.[22] On October 25, the legislature approved a gambling expansion bill that would legalize online casino and lottery games, authorize 10 new casino locations in the state, and allow casino-style gambling games in truck stops and airports. That bill would raise an estimated $200 million per year in license fees and taxes on higher gambling losses. A $1.5 billion borrowing plan and estimated tax increases of $140 million per year were approved that same day; patching up about $1.8 billion of the $2.3 billion budget deficit.[23] On October 31, Gov. Wolf signed the budget legislation.[24] Background[edit] Major proposals for revenue packages throughout the 2017 legislative session included borrowing money, expanding gambling and liquor sales in the state, and tax increases. Senate and House Republicans voiced support for temporary measures to borrow against state accounts, while Republicans in the House also advocated for delaying a vote on legislation that provides funding various universities in the state. Wolf advocated for tax increases on certain business practices and the natural gas industry. The Pennsylvania constitution states that spending “shall not exceed the actual and estimated revenues and surplus available.”[25][26][27] 2016[edit] See also: Dates of 2016 state legislative sessions In 2016, the legislature was in session from January 5 through November 30. Major issues in 2016[edit] Major issues during the 2016 legislative session included passing a state budget, public employee pension plan reform, and school funding.[28] 2015[edit] See also: Dates of 2015 state legislative sessions In 2015, the legislature was in session from January 6 through December 31. Major issues in 2015[edit] Major issues during the 2015 legislative session included a severance tax on shale gas, pension reforms, liquor privatization, and judicial reforms.[29] 2014[edit] See also: Dates of 2014 state legislative sessions In 2014, the legislature was in session from January 7 through November 12. Major issues in 2014[edit] Major issues during the 2014 legislative session included public pension reform and liquor privatization.[30] 2013[edit] See also: Dates of 2013 state legislative sessions In 2013, the legislature was in session from January 2 to December 31. Major issues in 2013[edit] Like many other states, Pennsylvania lawmakers had to work on the budget deficit. Other issues included economic development, public pension reform, liquor privatization, and child abuse.[31] In November 2013, the Pennsylvania state House and state Senate voted unanimously on a bill, which was signed by Gov. Tom Corbett (R), to change the state’s unemployment compensation law. The bill closed a loophole that allowed a state employee to retire from his job and begin collecting benefits, only to be hired back as a part-time employee while also collecting unemployment compensation after leaving a previous job. While the law closed a triple-dipping loophole, the changes did not prevent double-dipping, in which a state employee retires, begins collecting pension benefits, and returns to work a part-time position.[32] 2012[edit] See also: Dates of 2012 state legislative sessions In 2012, the legislature was in session from January 3 to November 30. 2011[edit] See also: Dates of 2011 state legislative sessions In 2011, the legislature was in session from January 4 through November 30.[33] 2010[edit] See also: Dates of 2010 state legislative sessions In 2010, the legislature convened its legislative session on January 5, and it remained in session to November 30.[34]

About legislative sessions in Pennsylvania[edit]

The Tenth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution declares that any power not already given to the federal government is reserved to the states and the people.^[35] State governments across the country use this authority to hold legislative sessions where a state's elected representatives meet for a period of time to draft and vote on legislation and set state policies on issues such as taxation, education, and government spending. The different types of legislation passed by a legislature may include resolutions, legislatively referred constitutional amendments, and bills that become law.

Article II of the Pennsylvania Constitution establishes when the Pennsylvania General Assembly, of which the Senate is a part, is to meet. Section 4 of Article II states that the General Assembly is to convene its regular session on the first Tuesday of January each year.

Section 4 gives the Governor of Pennsylvania the authority to convene special sessions of the General Assembly either when he judges a special session to be in the public interest, or when a majority of each legislative House requests a special session.

Legislative roles and procedures[edit]

Every state legislature throughout the country features its own internal procedures that it uses to govern itself and how it interacts with other parts of state government. Ballotpedia's coverage of internal state legislative procedures includes veto overrides, the role of the legislature in the state budget, and procedures for filling membership vacancies.

Veto overrides[edit]

See also: Veto overrides in state legislatures

State legislatures can override governors' vetoes. Depending on the state, this can be done during the regular legislative session, in a special session following the adjournment of the regular session, or during the next legislative session. The rules for legislative overrides of gubernatorial vetoes in Pennsylvania are listed below.

How many legislators are required to vote for an override? Two-thirds of members in both chambers.

Two-thirds of members in both chambers must vote to override a veto, which is 136 of the 203 members in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and 34 of the 50 members in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Pennsylvania is one of 36 states that requires a two-thirds vote from both of its legislative chambers to override a veto.

How can vetoes be overridden after the legislature has adjourned?

Vetoes can be overridden when the next regular session convenes, provided that an election has not occurred.[36]

Authority: Article IV, Section 15 of the Pennsylvania Constitution.

"Every bill which shall have passed both Houses shall be presented to the Governor; if he approves he shall sign it, but if he shall not approve he shall return it with his objections to the House in which it shall have originated, which House shall enter the objections at large upon their journal, and proceed to re-consider it. If after such re-consideration, two-thirds of all the members elected to that House shall agree to pass the bill, it shall be sent with the objections to the other House by which likewise it shall be re-considered, and if approved by two-thirds of all the members elected to that House it shall be a law; but in such cases the votes of both Houses shall be determined by yeas and nays, and the names of the members voting for and against the bill shall be entered on the journals of each House, respectively."

Role in state budget[edit]

See also: Pennsylvania state budget and finances

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The state operates on an annual budget cycle. The sequence of key events in the budget process is as follows:^[37]

1. Budget instructions are sent to state agencies in August.
2. State agencies submit their requests to the governor in October.
3. Agency hearings are held between December and January.
4. The governor submits his or her proposed budget to the state legislature in February. In a governor's first term, the budget proposal is submitted in March.
5. The legislature adopts a budget by June 30. A simple majority is required to pass a budget. The fiscal year begins July 1.

Pennsylvania is one of 44 states in which the governor has line item veto authority.^[37][38]

The governor is legally required to submit a balanced budget proposal. Likewise, the legislature is required to pass a balanced budget.^[37]

Committees[edit]

See also: List of committees in Pennsylvania state government

Every state legislature and state legislative chamber in the country contains several legislative committees. These committees are responsible for studying, amending, and voting on legislation before it reaches the floor of a chamber for a full vote. The different types of committees include standing committees, select or special, and joint.

• Standing committees are generally permanent committees, the names of which sometimes change from session to session.
• Select or special committees are temporary committees formed to deal with specific issues such as recent legislation, major public policy or proposals, or investigations.
• Joint committees are committees that feature members of both chambers of a legislature.

Ballotpedia covers standing and joint committees. The Pennsylvania State Senate has 23 standing committees:

Constitutional amendments[edit]

In every state but Delaware, voter approval is required to enact a constitutional amendment. In each state, the legislature has a process for referring constitutional amendments before voters. In 18 states, initiated constitutional amendments can be put on the ballot through a signature petition drive. There are also many other types of statewide measures.

The methods in which the Pennsylvania Constitution can be amended:

See also: Article XI of the Pennsylvania Constitution and Laws governing ballot measures in Pennsylvania

The Pennsylvania Constitution provides for one mechanism for amending the state's constitution—a legislative process. However, the state constitution does not mention a constitutional convention process, and the legislature has called constitutional conventions in the past. Pennsylvania requires a simple majority vote (50% plus 1) for voters to approve constitutional amendments.

Initiative[edit]

See also: Initiated constitutional amendment

In Pennsylvania, citizens do not have the power to initiate ballot measures at the state level.

Legislature[edit]

See also: Legislatively referred constitutional amendment

According to Article XI, the state Legislature can refer constitutional amendments to the ballot for voters to decide. A simple majority vote is required during two successive legislative sessions for the Pennsylvania State Legislature to place a constitutional amendment on the ballot. That amounts to a minimum of 102 votes in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and 26 votes in the Pennsylvania State Senate, assuming no vacancies. Amendments do not require the governor's signature to be referred to the ballot.

When the Legislature finds that a "major emergency threatens or is about to threaten the Commonwealth," a constitutional amendment can be referred to the ballot with a two-thirds vote during one legislative session.

See also[edit]

Elections	Pennsylvania State Government	State Legislatures	State Politics
Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2026 Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2024 Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2022 Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2020 Pennsylvania State Senate elections, 2018	Pennsylvania General Assembly Pennsylvania House of Representatives Governor of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Supreme Court	State legislative elections, 2026 State legislative elections, 2025 State legislative elections, 2024 State legislative elections, 2023 State legislative elections, 2022 State legislative elections, 2021 State legislative elections, 2020 State legislative elections, 2019	State government trifectas State government triplexes State executives State courts Ballot measures The State Legislative Decade

External links[edit]

• Pennsylvania State Senate

Footnotes[edit]

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