Pennsylvania House of Representatives

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PA_State_House,_January_2019_Map

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives is the lower house of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, the bicameral state legislature of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The House is composed of 203 members, each elected from a legislative district for a two-year term. The House convenes at the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg.

History

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was established in 1682 by William Penn, the founder of Pennsylvania. It has evolved over the centuries, adapting to changes in the state's population and political landscape. The House has played a crucial role in shaping Pennsylvania's laws and policies.

Structure and Function

The House of Representatives operates under a set of rules and procedures designed to facilitate the legislative process. The Speaker of the House, elected by the members, presides over sessions and ensures order. The House is divided into various committees that focus on specific areas such as education, health, and transportation.

Leadership

• Speaker
• Majority Leader
• Minority Leader
• Whips

Committees

The House has numerous standing committees, each responsible for reviewing legislation related to specific topics. Some of the key committees include:

• Appropriations Committee
• Education Committee
• Health Committee
• Judiciary Committee
• Transportation Committee

Legislative Process

The legislative process in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives involves several steps: 1. **Introduction of Bills**: Members introduce bills, which are then assigned to relevant committees. 2. **Committee Review**: Committees review, amend, and vote on bills. 3. **Floor Debate**: Bills that pass committee review are debated on the House floor. 4. **Voting**: Members vote on bills. If a bill passes, it moves to the Pennsylvania State Senate. 5. **Governor's Approval**: Bills that pass both houses are sent to the Governor of Pennsylvania for approval or veto.

Membership

Members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives are elected from 203 legislative districts. Each district is designed to represent an approximately equal number of constituents. Elections are held every two years, with all seats up for election simultaneously.

Related Pages

• Pennsylvania General Assembly
• Pennsylvania State Senate
• Governor of Pennsylvania
• Pennsylvania State Capitol
• List of Pennsylvania state legislatures