FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 21, 2006
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Pileggi Constable Bill Goes to Governor's Desk

Harrisburg, Pennsylvania

The General Assembly has overwhelmingly approved legislation sponsored by Senator Dominic Pileggi (R-Chester, Delaware) that would increase the compensation of constables for the first time in more than a decade.  The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature.

For many Pennsylvanians, constables are the first line of contact with the judicial system.  They are elected officers of the court, and perform functions such as service of warrants, transportation of inmates, and court security.  As of 2004, there were 3,375 constables and deputy constables registered with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. 

"Constables provide vital, and often dangerous, services for our court system," said Pileggi.  "They receive no government provided salary, health insurance, or pension.  They must provide everything for their office at their own expense, including vehicles, office rent, and all necessary equipment, even though they are elected." 

Constables only receive pay for work they do, in accordance with a statutory fee schedule.  The last time the General Assembly reviewed any portion of the constable fee schedule was in 1994, adopting a fee schedule first discussed in 1987.  In that time period, the Consumer Price Index has risen over 32%.  "If constables did not provide these services, counties and court officials would have to supply them at direct expense to taxpayers," noted Pileggi.

The Governor now has 10 days to sign or veto the measure.

CONTACT:

Lee Derr
(717) 787-4712
lderr@pasen.gov