×

Senate sends bill on license requirements for DAs to House

A bill focused on requiring district attorneys to hold valid licenses to practice law in Pennsylvania from the time of their election throughout their terms of office is advancing.

On Monday, the full state Senate unanimously advanced the bill, sponsored by state Sen. Gene Yaw, R-Loyalsock Township, to the House of Representatives for consideration.

“Currently, there is no requirement that a person elected to the office of District Attorney possess an active license to practice law at the time of entering office,” which this bill would require, Yaw said, according to a news release. “My bill would also establish safeguards so that the office of District Attorney would continue to operate uninterrupted in the event of a suspension of the law license or disbarment from the practice of law of a sitting District Attorney. It would provide needed uniformity and efficiency to current law and for those who discharge the duties of the office. It will assure the citizens that the integrity expected in the office of District Attorney is maintained.”

The bill, the news release said, would cover situations when a district attorney’s law license is suspended, or they are disbarred. In a case of suspension, the first assistant district attorney would become the acting district attorney pending reinstatement of the elected district attorney, or until the end of the elected term. Disbarment would create a vacancy, which would be filled under current law.

NEWSLETTER

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today