Senate Votes to End Lame Duck Voting Sessions

HARRISBURG – The Senate approved legislation on Friday to eliminate "lame duck" voting sessions that occur after a general election and before the start of a new legislative session, according to Senator James J. Rhoades (R-29).

Senate Bill 468 would amend the state Constitution to limit the length of legislative session, ensuring that no voting takes place after the general election in even-numbered years.

"Lame duck sessions have historically been used for votes on controversial issues like tax increases or pay raises," Rhoades said. "Pennsylvanians have made it very clear that they want greater honesty and accountability in state government, and eliminating these sessions will ultimately make legislators more accountable to the people they serve."

Amendments to the state Constitution must be approved in two separate Legislative Sessions before being presented as a voter referendum for final approval.

While the Senate and the House of Representatives could not hold legislative session, Rhoades said that Senate Bill 468 would still permit a special session called by the Governor to deal with any urgent issues that may arise.

The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration.