U.S. Senate candidate and state Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) meets with Chester County officials and supporters during a campaign event in West Chester, Pa., Friday, Feb. 18, 2022. (AP Photo/Matt Luke)
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — Following the conviction of former President Donald Trump, state Reps. Solomon and Kenyatta (D-Philadelphia) are demanding government accountability for public officials convicted of crimes in Pennsylvania.
The proposed bill, HB 485, would require any elected official in Pennsylvania who is convicted of a crime to resign from office immediately upon conviction.
“There are important differences that must be addressed,” Rep. Solomon said in a statement. “A guilty plea should mean immediate removal from office, and convicted felons should not be allowed to wait until the appeals process is over before being released.” [to] Hold any form of public office.”
The bill has been introduced previously, but according to a joint press release, Reps. Solomon and Kenyatta highlighted President Trump's recent convictions and urged their colleagues to “set an example of integrity” by supporting the bill.
“We have a unique opportunity to restore hope in our democracy and demonstrate that anyone with a felony conviction has no place in the Pennsylvania General Assembly or any other branch of government,” said Rep. Kenyatta.
Solomon said in a press release that if ordinary workers must resign from their jobs if convicted of a crime, public officeholders should do the same.
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The bill was first introduced in March 2023 but has not yet reached a House committee.
