The Pennsylvania Interbranch Commission
for Gender, Racial, and Ethnic Fairness
On April 22, 2024, the Commission submitted comments on proposed statewide rules published by the PA Supreme Court’s Criminal Procedural Rules Committee. The rules were proposed in response to the Continue ReadingCommission Submits Comments to Court on Proposed Criminal Procedural Rules re Reduction, Waiver of Court Fines and Costs
Via press release on February 26, 2024, the Commission commemorated the inaugural meeting of the Indigent Defense Advisory Committee, held in Harrisburg on February 12, 2024. The Committee, of which Continue ReadingPress Release: E.D. Shields Joins Other Members of Statewide Indigent Defense Advisory Committee as Committee Convenes its First Meeting
Via press release on February 2, 2024, the Interbranch Commission applauded the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Judiciary Committee for conducting a hearing the day prior on critical jury service issues. The Continue ReadingPress Release: PA House Judiciary Committee Conducts Hearing on Critical Jury Service Issues
On January 25, 2024, the Commission published its annual newsletter, reflecting on the work it has conducted through its six Committees over the past year and looking ahead to the Continue ReadingCommission Publishes 2023-24 Newsletter
The Interbranch Commission joins the Pennsylvania legal community in congratulating Allegheny County President Judge Kim Berkeley Clark on her well-deserved retirement. The first African-American President Judge of the Allegheny County Continue ReadingCommission Commends Allegheny County President Judge Clark on Distinguished Career in Public Service
Via press release on December 20, 2023, the Commission celebrated the recent enactment of Act 34 (2023), which establishes a first-of-its-kind allotment of $7.5 million for the funding of indigent Continue ReadingPress Release: Commission Celebrates Enactment of Legislation Providing First-of-its-Kind Funding for Indigent Defense Reform
On December 11, 2023, the Commission submitted to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Health Committee its letter in support of House Bill (“HB”) 575. HB 575 would prohibit mental health Continue ReadingCommission Supports Legislation to Protect Minors in PA from Conversion Therapy
On Thursday, December 7, 2023, Commission members convened virtually to review and discuss the existing initiatives of each of the Commission’s six Committees, year-end projects, the current composition of the Continue ReadingCommission Conducts Quarterly Meeting of its Full Membership
On November 15, 2023, the Commission submitted a letter to PA State Reps. Malcolm Kenyatta and Jason Dawkins, offering its expertise and partnership on jury service matters in response to Continue ReadingCommission Submits Letter to PA Legislators in Support of Increasing Juror Compensation, Reducing Barriers to Jury Service
On September 15, 2023, the Commission submitted to Pennsylvania Senate leaders letters in support of three bills designed to better protect the rights and dignity of LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians. In its Continue ReadingCommission Submits Letters to Legislature in Support of Bills Designed to Protect LGBTQ+ Pennsylvanians