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HR 139

A Resolution designating the week of September 14 through 20, 2025, as "Truck Driver Appreciation Week" in Pennsylvania.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Anthony Bellmon and 16 co-sponsors

HR 139 urges the Governor to issue a writ for a special election to fill the vacant Thirty-fifth Senate District seat, restoring state Senate representation for the district.

Laid on the table (Pursuant to House Rule 71)
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Bill Summary · HR 139

Summary — HR 139: Resolution calling on the Governor to call a special election (Thirty‑fifth Senate District)

Status: Introduced Jan 3, 2025; referred to Committee on Election Integrity (June 26, 2025).
Classification: House resolution (non‑binding).

Purpose / intent

HR 139 urges the Governor to issue a writ calling a special election to fill the vacancy in the Thirty‑fifth Senate District. The resolution frames the call as necessary to restore full legislative representation to the district after the seat became vacant on January 3, 2025.

Key provisions

  • Formally requests that the Governor call a special election to fill the vacancy in the Thirty‑fifth Senate District.
  • Cites the constitutional and statutory authority under which the Governor may call special elections:
    • Michigan Constitution, Art. V, §13 — Governor issues writs to fill legislative vacancies.
    • Michigan Election Law provisions (MCL 168.178 and MCL 168.634) describing the Governor’s authority and procedures for special elections.
  • Documents factual background supporting the request (see Background).

Note: As a House resolution, HR 139 is an expression of the House’s position and does not itself compel executive action or change law.

Background / factual basis included in the resolution

  • The Thirty‑fifth Senate District seat became vacant effective January 3, 2025 after Senator Kristen McDonald Rivet was elected to the U.S. House (8th Congressional District).
  • Her election was certified Nov. 22, 2024; she submitted a written resignation on Dec. 18, 2024 effective Jan. 3, 2025.
  • The resolution states the Governor has not called a special election and notes that the seat had been vacant for several months.
  • It cites a recent precedent (Nov. 2023 vacancies) where the Governor promptly scheduled special elections with specified filing deadlines and election dates.

Who is affected

  • Residents and taxpayers of the Thirty‑fifth Senate District (loss of direct representation in the state Senate while the seat is vacant).
  • State executive branch (the Governor) — the resolution calls for executive action to schedule the election.
  • State election administration, which would implement any special election ordered.

Procedural / timeline notes

  • Introduced Jan. 3, 2025; referred to Committee on Election Integrity (June 26, 2025).
  • Because it is a resolution urging executive action, any actual scheduling of a special election depends on the Governor issuing the writ under state law; the resolution does not establish dates or binding timelines itself.

Potential impact

  • Political/representational: If the Governor acts, the special election would restore full representation for the district in the state Senate.
  • Administrative: Calling a special election would trigger scheduling, candidate filing deadlines, and election administration costs per existing election law.
  • Legal: The resolution reiterates existing statutory authority but does not change legal requirements or create new obligations.

Note on document contents

The file provided contains multiple, unrelated texts labeled “HR 139” (including a federal bill proposing permanent daylight saving time and several state/local resolutions). This summary focuses specifically on the House resolution that requests the Governor to call a special election for the Thirty‑fifth Senate District (the Michigan House resolution described in the document).

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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