(HARRISBURG) – The Pennsylvania Senate today announced it was prepared to take the next steps in the impeachment process of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner following the House of Representatives’ 107-85 vote to impeach Krasner earlier this month.
“The Senate’s Constitutional obligations are clear, so we are prepared to fulfill our duties and continue the impeachment process of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner next week,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman. “The plan is to call the Senate back to session and convene for two days, Tues, Nov. 29 and Wed, Nov. 30, to officially begin our role in this process.”
As outlined by the Pennsylvania Constitution in Article VI, Section 5: “All impeachments shall be tried by the Senate.” The role of the Senate is to sit in judgement and review the evidence presented by the House as noted by Article VI Section 4 of the Pennsylvania Constitution. Before officially beginning the impeachment trial, the Senate must take three procedural steps next week.
To start the process, the Senate will vote on a series of three resolutions. The first resolution to set the rules of impeachment will be considered on Tuesday. The rules are modeled after the Congressional rules of impeachment and reflect the precedent set in the 1993 Commonwealth impeachment of Justice Rolf Larsen.
Also on Tuesday, the Senate will consider a resolution to invite the House impeachment managers and Sergeant at Arms to officially present the articles of impeachment to the Senate. The resolution will be put forth by newly elected Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and seconded by State Senator Lisa Baker (R-20).
On Wednesday, the House impeachment managers and Sergeant at Arms will officially present the articles of impeachment to the Senate at which time an oath will be taken by all members of the Senate to officially begin the process.
Following these procedural measures, the final resolution, a writ of summons will be put forth for a vote. Pending passage of the final resolution, the writ of summons will be issued to Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner requiring him to come before the Senate to answer to impeachment. He will be required to file an answer by Dec. 21st and ordered to appear before the Senate on Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m.
Formal impeachment documents below.
Writ of Summons
DOCUMENT_2021D10534
DOCUMENT_2021D10535
DOCUMENT_2021D10536
Contact: Erica Clayton Wright, ewright@pasen.gov, (412) 334-4856