The House and Senate are holding budget hearings this week. The House resumes regular sessions on April 4. The Senate resumes regular sessions on April 5.
Senator Jane Earll (R-Erie) has introduced two measures for merit selection off appellate judges. Senate Bill 842 would provide for merit selection of appellate judges. Senate Bill 843 would amend the state Constitution to provide for merit selection of judges. Both measures were referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-Delaware) introduced Senate Bill 775 requiring DNA testing and establishing a DNA data base. The bill would require the taking of DNA samples from people charged with crimes. The present law requires DNA testing of people convicted of crimes or placed in ARD. The bill expands the list of crimes for which DNA samples must be taken. The bill was sent to the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Free legal research available on State and Federal court appointed cases from the Student Research Center. http://www.philadelphiabar.org/page/CJResearch?appNum=4
Criminal Justice Section 
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[…] State Senator Jane Earll (R-Erie) has introduced two bills that would move Pennsylvania toward Merit Selection of appellate judges. Senate Bill 843 would amend the state Constitution to allow Merit Selection of appellate judges. […]