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HB 1906

An Act amending the act of September 30, 1983 (P.L.160, No.39), known as the Public Official Compensation Law, further providing for compensation of Governor and Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Attorney General, Commissioners of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and heads of departments and for members of the General Assembly.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jill Cooper and 7 co-sponsors

Bill updates compensation for Pennsylvania's governor, state officials, and legislators for first time since 1983, requiring legislative approval and state funding.

Referred to Appropriations
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1906

Legislative bill overview

HB 1906 amends Pennsylvania's Public Official Compensation Law to adjust salaries for statewide elected officials (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, State Treasurer, Auditor General, Attorney General), Public Utility Commission commissioners, department heads, and General Assembly members. The bill modernizes compensation structures that have remained largely unchanged since 1983, potentially establishing new salary levels or adjustment mechanisms for these positions.

Why is this important

Public official compensation directly affects government's ability to attract qualified candidates, retain experienced staff, and manage state budgets. Salary adjustments for legislators and executive branch officials are politically sensitive decisions that impact both government operations and taxpayer spending. These changes can influence competitive recruitment in a state competing with private sector opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to taxpayers: Any salary increases will require budgetary appropriations; critics may argue the timing or amount is excessive during economic uncertainty
  • Equity and precedent: Determining which officials receive increases and by how much raises fairness questions; comparisons to private sector salaries versus public service expectations will arise
  • Legislative self-dealing concerns: General Assembly members voting on their own compensation raises transparency and ethics questions, regardless of merit
  • Timing and opacity: The bill was referred to Appropriations in September 2025 with limited public detail on specific salary proposals or justifications

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

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