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HARRISBURG — For state Sen. Lisa Baker, a new term in office and a new legislative session bring the opportunity and responsibility of a new committee chairmanship — the Senate Judiciary Committee.
“This is an important and consequential committee, with broad jurisdiction and a high number of bills referred to it,” said Baker, R-Lehman Township. “As with every committee, a strong commitment to change and an ability to drive reform through the legislative process are the keys to successful leadership. I am very much looking forward to working with Republicans and Democrats to continue the committee’s record for being productive and effective.”
Senate President Pro Tempore Joe Scarnati on Monday announced the Republican chairs for each of the 22 Senate standing committees for the 2019-2020 legislative session.
“The quality of justice, the fairness of state laws and policies, and fundamental access to the justice system are issues of intense public interest and spirited legislative debate,” Baker said. “We can look at the changes in sentencing approved in recent years to see how thinking is changing about the equality and cost of justice.”
Baker said her work with other state and community leaders on juvenile justice reform gave her valuable insight into the challenges faced across the justice system and the extensive effort needed to bring about constructive change.
“I was also part of the effort to ensure victims were given the opportunity to testify in person before the state Parole Board, prior to its deciding whether to release an offender from prison,” Baker explained. “Both are good examples of how a broad coalition of groups and officials can overcome obstacles and opposition and improve our system.”
The Judiciary Committee also holds public hearings on the qualifications of the governor’s nominees to fill vacancies on state and county courts.
Baker said the committee’s work will benefit from the stellar service of the previous chairman, recently retired Sen. Stewart Greenleaf, who headed the committee for more than 30 years, established a record for being a prolific writer of legislation, and had dozens of bills turned into law.
This is Baker’s fourth committee chairmanship. She previously chaired Health and Human Services, Labor and Industry, and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness.
Other Senate Standing Committee Chair assignments:
Community, Economic & Recreational Development – Sen. Mario Scavello (R-40)
Aging & Youth – Sen. John DiSanto (R-15)
Agriculture & Rural Affairs – Sen. Elder Vogel, Jr. (R-47)
Appropriations – Sen. Pat Browne (R-16)
Banking & Insurance – Sen. Don White (R-41)
Communications & Technology – Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35)
Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure – Sen. Robert Tomlinson (R-6)
Education – Sen. Ryan Aument (R-36)
Environmental Resources & Energy – Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23)
Finance – Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21)
Game & Fisheries – Sen. Dan Laughlin (R-49)
Health & Human Services – Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50)
Intergovernmental Operations – Sen. Judy Ward (R-30)
Labor & Industry – Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46)
Law & Justice – Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32)
Local Government – Sen. Scott Martin (R-13)
Rules & Executive Nominations – Sen. Jake Corman (R-34)
State Government – Sen. Mike Folmer (R-48)
Transportation – Sen. Kim Ward (R-39)
Urban Affairs & Housing – Sen. Tom Killion (R-9)
Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness – Sen. Mike Regan (R-31)
