42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 17

in effect

42 Pa.C.S. § 17 Applicability.

This act shall apply as follows: (1) The addition of 42 Pa.C.S. § 9799.28(b)(11) shall apply to: (i) Persons convicted after November 30, 2006, of an offense which required registration under former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9795.1 and to persons required to register under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H on or after the effective date of this section. (ii) All individuals required to register under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H on or after the effective date of this paragraph. (iii) All individuals required to register under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 97 Subch. H or former 42 Pa.C.S. § 9793 prior to the effective date of this paragraph and whose registration has not expired prior to the effective date of this paragraph. (2) The addition of 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 9795.1(d) and 9799.25(f) shall apply to all group-based homes and their residents, regardless of when the group-based homes began to provide housing or the residents began their residency. Explanatory Note. Act 111 amended or added sections 6358, 6403, 6404, 6404.1, 6404.2, 6406, 6409, 9718.1, 9718.2, 9718.3, 9718.4, 9791, 9792, 9795.1, 9795.2, 9795.3, 9795.5, 9796, 9797, 9798, 9798.1, 9799.1, 9799.10, 9799.11, 9799.12, 9799.13, 9799.14, 9799.15, 9799.16, 9799.17, 9799.18, 9799.19, 9799.20, 9799.21, 9799.22, 9799.23, 9799.24, 9799.25, 9799.26, 9799.27, 9799.28, 9799.29, 9799.30, 9799.31, 9799.32, 9799.33, 9799.34, 9799.35, 9799.36, 9799.37, 9799.38, 9799.39, 9799.40 and 9799.41 of Title 42, sections 2901, 2902, 2903, 3122.1, 3124.2, 3130, 3141, 4302, 4915, 4915.1, 5902 and 5903 of Title 18, section 6707 of Title 23, section 2303 of Title 44 and sections 4503 and 6137 of Title 61. 2013, DECEMBER 18, P.L.1167, NO.107 § 6. Applicability. The amendment or addition of 23 Pa.C.S. §§ 5328(a)(2.1), 5329.1, 6340(a)(5.1) and 6375(o) and 42 Pa.C.S. §§ 6307(a)(4.1) and (6.5) and 6308(a)(6) shall apply to: (1) Any action regarding custody of a child under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 that is filed on or after the effective date of this section. (2) Any petition to modify a custody order under 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 53 that is filed on or after the effective date of this section. Explanatory Note. Act 107 amended or added sections 5328, 5329.1, 6340 and 6375 of Title 23 and sections 6307 and 6308 of Title 42. 2014, MARCH 14, P.L.38, NO.18 § 1. Legislative findings and declarations. The General Assembly finds and declares as follows: (1) The county park police force established by a county of the third class under section 2511 of the act of August 9, 1955 (P.L.323, No.130), known as The County Code, has been granted the power to enforce the laws of this Commonwealth and otherwise perform the functions of that office anywhere within the primary jurisdiction of that force. (2) By participating in the program under 53 Pa.C.S. Ch. 21 Subch. D (relating to municipal police education and training), the officers of the county park police force will receive certification and training to enhance the performance of the powers of the office. Explanatory Note. Act 18 amended or reenacted section 8951 of Title 42 and sections 2162, 2170 and 2171 of Title 53. 2015, JULY 2, P.L.110, NO.16 § 12. Licensure as insurance producer. A person licensed as a professional bondsman prior to the effective date of this act shall be licensed as an insurance producer in accordance with Article VI-A of the act of May 17, 1921 (P.L.789, No.285), known as The Insurance Department Act of 1921. Explanatory Note. Act 16 amended, added or repealed the heading of Subchapter B of Chapter 57 and sections 5741, 5742, 5743, 5743.1, 5744, 5745, 5746, 5747, 5747.1, 5748, 5748.1, 5749 and 5750 of Title 42. 2015, DECEMBER 28, P.L.559, NO.94

42 Pa.C.S. § 1701 General supervisory and administrative authority of the Supreme Court.

The Supreme Court shall exercise general supervisory and administrative authority over the unified judicial system and in aid thereof shall have the powers specified in Subchapter B (relating to specific powers of the governing authority of the system).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1702 Rule making procedures.

(a) General rule.--Subject to the provisions of subsection (b), the Supreme Court and all agencies or units of the unified judicial system when exercising the power to adopt general rules or other orders in the nature of regulations pursuant to the authority of the Supreme Court under section 1721 (relating to delegation of powers) shall be an agency within the meaning of the act of July 31, 1968 (P.L.769, No.240), known as the "Commonwealth Documents Law," and shall be subject to all of the provisions of such act except section 205 (relating to approval as to legality). All such general rules and orders shall be published pursuant to Part II of Title 45 (relating to publication and effectiveness of Commonwealth Documents). (b) Scope.--The provisions of subsection (a) shall apply only to a rule or order adopted pursuant to the following provisions of this title or which is otherwise based in whole or in part upon authority conferred by any provision of this title or by other statutory authority: Section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters). Section 1722(b) (relating to enforcement and effect of orders and process). Section 1722(c) (relating to time limitations). Section 1725 (relating to establishment of fees and charges). Section 1726 (relating to establishment of taxable costs). Section 1728 (relating to recognition of related organizations). The provisions of subsection (a) shall also apply to other rules and orders to the extent prescribed by general rule. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) 1978 Amendment. Act 53 amended subsec. (a).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1703 Meeting procedures.

The Supreme Court and all other agencies and units of the unified judicial system when exercising the powers to recommend or adopt general rules or other orders in the nature of regulations shall be an agency within the meaning of the act of July 19, 1974 (P.L.486, No.175), referred to as the Public Agency Open Meeting Law. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) 1978 Amendment. Act 53 added section 1703. Constitutionality. Section 1703 was declared unconstitutional on November 14, 1978, by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania in a letter to the Governor and the General Assembly. See In re 42 Pa.C.S. § 1703, 482 Pa. 522, 394 A.2d 444. References in Text. The act of July 19, 1974, P.L.486, No.175, referred to as the Public Agency Open Meeting Law, referred to in this section, was repealed by the act of July 3, 1986, P.L.388, No.84, known as the Sunshine Act. The Sunshine Act was repealed by the act of October 15, 1998, P.L.729, No.93. The subject matter is now contained in Chapter 7 of Title 65 (relating to open meetings).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1721 Delegation of powers.

(a) General rule.--The Supreme Court may from time to time delegate to any agency or unit of the unified judicial system such of the supervisory and administrative powers of the court, including the powers specified in this subchapter, as may be specified by general rule. (b) Exception.--Any power based in whole or in part upon authority conferred by any provision of this title or other statutory authority shall not be delegated by the Supreme Court to any agency or unit other than: (1) A Statewide council which meets the requirements of section 3529(d) (relating to definition). (2) The Court Administrator of Pennsylvania. (3) Any other government unit within the system created by the Constitution of Pennsylvania or by statute. A body created pursuant to section 1730 (relating to boards, councils, commissions and committees), other than the council specified by paragraph (1), shall not be deemed to be created by statute for the purposes of this paragraph. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days) Cross References. Section 1721 is referred to in sections 102, 1702 of this title; section 1122 of Title 16 (Counties); section 1306 of Title 23 (Domestic Relations).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1722 Adoption of administrative and procedural rules.

(a) General rule.--The governing authority shall have the power to prescribe and modify general rules governing: (1) Practice, procedure and the conduct of all courts, magisterial district judges and all officers serving process or enforcing orders of any court or magisterial district judge and for admission to the bar and to practice law, and the administration of all courts and the supervision of all officers of the judicial branch, if such rules are consistent with the Constitution of Pennsylvania and neither abridge, enlarge nor modify the substantive rights of any litigant, nor affect the right of the General Assembly to determine the jurisdiction of any court or magisterial district judge, nor suspend nor alter any statute of limitation or repose. All statutes shall be suspended to the extent that they are inconsistent with rules prescribed under this paragraph. (2) The prescription of canons of ethics applicable to judges and magisterial district judges and the prescription of rules or canons applicable to the activities of all other personnel of the system. (3) Procedure under section 18 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania. (4) Procedure under section 18 of Article V of the Constitution of Pennsylvania for the suspension, removal, discipline and compulsory retirement of magisterial district judges. (5) Any matter which is specifically authorized by statute to be governed by general rules. A governing authority other than the Supreme Court shall not have power to prescribe general rules for assignment or reassignment of classes of matters among the several courts and magisterial district judges under section 503 (relating to reassignment of matters) or otherwise. (b) Enforcement and effect of orders and process.--To the extent, if any, that such powers shall not be conferred by the provisions of subsection (a)(1) and (5), the governing authority shall have power to prescribe and modify general rules, consistent with this title and any other applicable unrepealed statute, governing: (1) The effect of judgments and other orders of, and the right to and effect of attachments and other process issuing out of, a tribunal, and the manner of the enforcement of any thereof, including the time during which and the property with respect to which they shall be a lien, the relative priority of liens and other claims, stays of execution which may or shall be granted, satisfaction of judgments and dissolution of attachments, and all other matters relating to judgments and other orders and attachments and other process which have been regulated heretofore by statute. (2) The powers and duties of system and related personnel serving process or enforcing orders, insofar as such powers and duties relate to the custody of and the judicial sale or other disposition of property of judgment debtors and other property within the jurisdiction of a tribunal. Any such system or related personnel who shall comply with the provisions of such rules shall be free from all liability to any person with respect to action in pursuance of such rules. A statute shall be repealed for the purposes of this subsection only if it has been expressly repealed absolutely or insofar as inconsistent with general rules prescribed pursuant to this subsection. (c) Time limitations.--The governing authority shall have power to prescribe and modify general rules: (1) On any subject covered by Subchapter D of Chapter 55 (relating to appeals). (2) Specifying the time within which a matter must be commenced under section 708 (relating to improvident administrative appeals and other matters) or otherwise objecting to a determination of a government unit. The provisions of Chapter 55 (relating to limitation of time) and all other statutes shall be suspended to the extent that they are inconsistent with rules prescribed under this subsection. The intention of this subsection is to authorize the governing authority to develop and maintain uniformity in time periods within the scope of this subsection by eliminating statutory time limitations which are inconsistent with the general pattern of similar time limitations then in effect. (July 20, 1979, P.L.157, No.52, eff. 60 days; July 2, 1993, P.L.395, No.56, eff. Aug. 16, 1993; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (a). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. Loan Interest and Protection Law. Section 11 of Act 142 of 1976 provided that nothing in section 1722(b) of this title or in any other provision of Act 142 shall in any way repeal, modify or otherwise affect the act of January 30, 1974, P.L.13, No.6, referred to as the Loan Interest and Protection Law. Cross References. Section 1722 is referred to in sections 1702, 4302, 4303, 5504, 5573 of this title; section 702 of Title 44 (Law and Justice).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1723 General supervisory and administrative authority.

The governing authority shall exercise general supervisory and administrative authority over all courts and magisterial district judges. (Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1724 Personnel of the system.

(a) General rule.--Except as provided in subsection (b), the governing authority shall exercise general supervisory and administrative authority over the personnel of the system, including the power to: (1) Standardize the qualifications for employment, and all titles, salaries and wages of appointed personnel of the system. In establishing such standards the governing authority may: (i) Take into consideration the location of the work and the conditions under which the service is rendered. (ii) Establish different standards for different kinds, grades and classes of similar work or service. (iii) Adopt by reference in whole or in part the then current regulations of the Executive Board promulgated under section 709(a) of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as "The Administrative Code of 1929," and the related personnel rules. (2) Approve or disapprove the establishment of sections, bureaus, offices and other administrative units within the system, to investigate duplication of work of the several administrative units within the system and offices employing related personnel and the efficiency of the organization and administration thereof, and to adopt measures applicable to personnel of the system for the better coordination of the work of the unified judicial system and other government units. (3) Approve or disapprove the number and grade of authorized positions within the personnel of the system, except such positions the compensation of which is fixed by statute. (4) Approve or disapprove, in like manner as the Executive Board, the payment of extra compensation to personnel of the system who are employed at fixed compensation. (5) Determine, from time to time, the hours when the office of the clerk and the administrative and central offices of the system shall open and close. (6) Approve or disapprove extensions of leaves of absence, with pay, for personnel of the system. (7) Promulgate rules and regulations defining the expenses for which the personnel of the system and members of advisory committees may be reimbursed. (8) Approve or disapprove recommendations for the bonding of the personnel of the system, to fix the amounts of the bonds of all such personnel required to give such bond, and to require any bond to be executed by a surety. (9) Approve or disapprove the establishment of offices by any administrative unit within the personnel of the system at any place other than the facilities specified in section 3701 (relating to Pennsylvania Judicial Center) and section 3721 (relating to county judicial center). (10) Regulate the employment of and the charges made by official court reporters for transcript and similar services when such official court reporters are employed by the unified judicial system. (b) Exception.--Nothing in subsection (a) shall apply to county staff or shall affect the existing powers of the salary boards of the several counties of this Commonwealth. Cross References. Section 1724 is referred to in sections 1905, 2123 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725 Establishment of fees and charges.

(a) General rule.--(Repealed). (b) Procedure.--(Repealed). (c) Counties of the first class.-- (1) The following fees shall be received by the clerks of orphans' courts of counties of the first class: (i) The following fees shall be charged for the filing of accounts of guardians and trustees based upon the size of the estate: $14.00 Estate not exceeding $1,000 .............. Each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof over $1,000, but not exceeding $10,000 ...... 7.00 140.00 Over $10,000, but not exceeding $25,000 .. 279.00 Over $25,000, but not exceeding $100,000 ............................................... 419.00 Over $100,000, but not exceeding $500,000 ............................................... 559.00 Over $500,000, but not exceeding $1,000,000 Each additional $500,000 or fraction thereof over $1,000,000 ...................... 300.00 (ii) The following fees shall be charged for the indicated activity or function: $3.00 Affidavit ................................ 35.00 Appeal to Supreme Court .................. 3.00 Attachment ............................... 14.00 Auditor's report ......................... 7.00 Bond ...................................... 7.00 Bond, refunding .......................... 7.00 Claim of creditor ........................ 3.00 Copy of any record, per page ............ 7.00 Disclaimer ............................... 8.00 Docket entries, per page ................. 7.00 Election to take under or against will .. Exceptions to adjudication, opinion and decree or master's or auditor's report ...... 14.00 14.00 Execution of deed by clerk ............... 7.00 Excerpt from schedule and certification .. 7.00 Exemplification of any record ........... 7.00 Exemption, petition for .................. Family settlement: 25.00 not exceeding three pages ............ 6.00 each additional page ................. Guardian, appointment of: 14.00 not exceeding $2,500 ................. 35.00 exceeding $2,500 ..................... 3.00 Inventory, guardian's .................... 5.00 Marriage license ......................... (Plus $10.00 surcharge for Commonwealth of Pennsylvania) 3.00 Consent of parent or guardian ........... 3.00 Appointment of temporary guardian ....... 13.00 Master's report .......................... 14.00 Petition and decree ...................... 28.00 Petition and decree for citation ........ Pleading (other than petition): answer to preliminary objections or exceptions ............................... 7.00 14.00 Preliminary objections ................... 3.00 Satisfaction of award, each .............. 3.00 Short certificate ........................ 14.00 Stipulation .............................. 3.00 Subpoena ................................. (iii) The clerk of orphans' courts of counties of the first class are authorized to establish fees for services required by statute or rule of court which are not specifically provided for in this paragraph. Any such additional fees shall be the same as those imposed for similar services. The clerks shall not be required to perform any service until the requisite fee is paid. (2) The fees to be received by the Prothonotary on behalf of the Trial Division and as Clerk of the Family Division of the Court of Common Pleas in counties of the first class shall be as follows: (i) Appeals: The filing of an appeal to the Supreme, Superior or the Commonwealth Court, including all services ................... $161.00 The filing of any other appeal, including, but not limited to, an appeal from an award in compulsory arbitration, an appeal from administrative agencies, petition for a writ of certiori, appeals from the Municipal Court, appeals from the Board of View and the Board of Revision of Taxes ..................................... 86.00 (This appeal fee is exclusive of any jury listing fee set forth in this act. This fee does not include the costs of compensation of arbitrators. (See Pa.R.C.P. No.1308)) (ii) Certifications: $27.00 Any certification or certificate .... 54.00 Any exemplification .................. If the same involves more than one page, for each additional page ........... 3.00 (A certificate or certification is defined as the authentication of any record by affixing the seal of the court. Includes letters rogatory and interrogatories to commissioners.) (iii) Commencement of actions: 172.00 Commencement of any civil action...... (Commencement of action includes the institution of any civil action, divorce or adoption action by writ of summons, complaint, petition or report of intent to adopt, the filing of any partnership or association agreements or any billing pursuant to the Bulk Sale Act.) (iv) Automation maintenance fee: Parties - to be paid at time of commencement of action, appeal or defendant's first filing ................. $5.00 Nonparty - providing docket entries for a nonparty per docket entry each ......... 5.00 The funds generated by this computer service charge shall be set aside by the prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District procurement on behalf of the Court of Common Pleas of the First Judicial District. This fund shall be maintained in a dedicated account which shall be used for the development and implementation of effective and efficient automation within the Office of the Prothonotary as well as civil computer hardware, services and programs in the First Judicial District. (v) Custody: $32.00 Custody, partial custody or visitation................................. 16.00 Respondent's first responsive filing ........................................... Other motions and petitions - (See petitions and motions) Thirteen percent of the funds generated by the charge under this subparagraph shall be transmitted by the prothonotary to the Administrative Office to pay for the implementation of section 1904 (relating to availability of criminal charge information in child custody proceedings). (vi) Defendant's first filing: The filing by or on behalf of any defendant (or additional defendant) of an entry of appearance, answer, preliminary objections, writ to join (with entry of appearance) or complaint against additional defendant or any paper not otherwise provided for in this paragraph. A pleading, appearance or other paper not otherwise provided for in this act filed on behalf of more than one defendant shall require only one fee. The filing of separate initial pleadings by a defendant require a separate fee .............................. $86.00 (vii) Divorce: Commencement of action - (See commencement of actions) Defendant's first filing - (See defendant's first filing) Other petitions and motions - (See petitions and motions) $43.00 Praecipe to transmit: ................ Motion for appointment of permanent master ................................ 322.00 (viii) Eminent domain: Commencement of action by declaration of taking or petition for a board of view - (See commencement of actions) (ix) (Deleted by amendment) $1.00 (x) Judicial education fee .............. There shall be added to every commencement of action fee and defendant's first filing fee the additional sum of $1.00 for the purpose of providing funding for the continuing judicial education and training for members of the judiciary of the First Judicial District. The funds generated by this charge shall be set aside by the prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District procurement to be maintained in a separate account and used for judicial education and training. (xi) Judgments: Judgment by confession or complaint in confession of judgment (See Pa.R.C.P. Nos.2950-2974) ............................ $54.00 Entry of judgment from other jurisdiction .............................. 54.00 (xii) Liens and reimbursement agreements: The filing of any Federal tax lien, Commonwealth and municipal tax liens, mechanics' lien or waiver of mechanics' lien and any other lien not specifically covered under this act ................... $21.00 (Mechanics' lien fee does not include commencement of action fee when complaint is filed.) (xiii) Petitions and motions: The filing of any petition or motion, excluding commencement of action (See commencement of actions) ................. $27.00 $38.00 (xiv) Name search ....................... (xv) Subpoena: Issuance of subpoena as authorized by Pa.R.C.P. No.234.2 ....................... $5.00 Producing a record in response to subpoena based on four-hour service or fraction thereof .......................... $43.00 Service beyond four hours, per hour or fraction thereof .......................... 11.00 For each mile traveled (round trip) for service out of county .................... 00.365 $161.00 (xvi) Trial listing/jury demand ......... $1.00 (xvii) Record retention fee ............. A record retention fee shall be added to every motion or petition, excluding a motion or petition which constitutes an initial filing, the additional sum of $1.00 for the purpose of providing funding to establish and maintain a record retention program for the First Judicial District. The funds generated by this charge shall be set aside by the Prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District procurement to be maintained in a separate account and used for record retention purposes. (xviii) Prothonotary automation development fee ............................... $5.00 In addition to any other fee authorized by law, an automation fee may be charged and collected by the prothonotary upon initiation of any action or legal proceeding. The automation fee shall be deposited into a special prothonotary automation fund established for and maintained by the First Judicial District of Pennsylvania. Moneys deposited into the special prothonotary automation fund and any interest accrued thereon shall be used solely for the purpose of prothonotary automation, including automation updates. (xix) The prothonotary is authorized, with the approval of the President Judge, to establish fees for services required by statute or general rule which are not specifically provided for in this paragraph. Any fees so established shall be the same as those imposed for similar services. The prothonotary shall not be required to receive any paper or perform any service until the proper fee is paid. (xx) Refunds: There will be no refund of any amount less than $15. The jury fee when paid shall not be refunded. (xxi) (Deleted by amendment). $5.00 (xxii) Special court administration fee ............................................... There shall be added to every commencement of action fee and defendant's first filing fee the additional sum of $5.00 for the purpose of providing funding for the administration of gun and zone courts in the First Judicial District. The funds generated by this charge shall be set aside by the prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District special gun and zone court fund. The money in the fund and any interest accrued thereon shall be used solely for the purpose of administration of gun and zone courts. (xxiii) The fees enumerated in this paragraph shall be exclusive of any tax, law library surcharge or any other surcharge or assessment existing or hereafter levied. (3) The fees to be received by the prothonotary on behalf of the Philadelphia Municipal Court in civil actions shall be as follows: (i) Commencement of civil action $0 to $2,000 ........................................ $20.00 (ii) Commencement of civil actions $2,001 to $12,000 .................................... $40.00 (iii) Commencement of landlord and tenant civil actions $0 to $2,000 ................... $20.00 (iv) Commencement of landlord and tenant actions $2,001 to $10,000 .................... $40.00 (v) Commencement of landlord and tenant civil actions over $10,000 ................... $60.00 $5.00 (vi) Indexing ............................ $4.00 (vii) Writ of possession ................ $10.00 (viii) Motions (petitions) .............. (ix) Additional defendant filing shall be same as initial filing (x) Counterclaim shall be same as initial filing (xi) Cross-claim shall be same as initial filing (xii) Setoffs shall be same as initial filing $3.00 (xiii) Subpoena .......................... $6.00 (xiv) Writ of revival ................... $1.00 (xv) Record retention fee ............... There shall be added to every motion the additional sum of $1 for the purpose of providing funding for establishing and maintaining a record retention program for the First Judicial District. The funds generated by this charge shall be set aside by the prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District procurement to be maintained in a separate account and used for record retention purposes. (xvi) Automation fee: (A) Initial pleading in all civil actions and landlord tenant actions ...... $5.00 $2.00 (B) All civil petitions and motions .. The funds generated by this automation fee shall be set aside by the prothonotary and remitted monthly to the First Judicial District. (xvii) The fees enumerated in this paragraph do not cover any costs for services performed by the sheriff or other writ server. Service of initial process shall be $27. All other fees of the sheriff or other writ server shall be in accordance with the sheriff's fee bill applicable to Philadelphia County. (xviii) The commencement of any action or proceeding as well as complaints and all writs shall be exempt from any library fee or taxes. (4) Beginning on January 1, 2008, and each January 1 thereafter, the prothonotary may, with the approval of the president judge of the applicable court, periodically increase any fee or charge imposed as of the effective date of this paragraph pursuant to paragraphs (2) or (3). However, no such fee or charge may be increased more than once in any three-year period, and the amount of any increase may not be greater than the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers for the immediate three years preceding the last increase in the fee or charge. (5) The First Judicial District of Pennsylvania may impose a charge for the production of records produced pursuant to a subpoena served on the First Judicial District or its employees as follows: (i) Producing a record in response to a subpoena based on four-hour service or fraction thereof ....................................... $43.00 (ii) Service beyond four hours, per hour or fraction thereof ........................... 11.00 (iii) For each mile traveled (round trip) for service out of county .................... 00.365 (6) (i) In counties of the first class, there shall be charged and set apart by the officers receiving the fees fixed under this section an amount equal to 20% of the filing fees at the time in effect for the probate of wills, the issue of letters testamentary, the issue of letters of administration and the filing of accounts with the register of wills, the filing of accounts of trustees and guardians, and of all filings in the office of the prothonotary of the court of common pleas of the county. (ii) The provisions of this paragraph shall not apply to any actions taken or initiated by any political subdivision. (iii) The funds set aside shall be remitted monthly to the First Judicial District and deposited into a family court facility fund, which is to be established and used by the First Judicial District to fund the lease, purchase and maintenance of appropriate family court facilities and for related purposes. (d) Counties of the second class.--In counties of the second class, the prothonotary and the clerk of the orphans' court division shall set apart from the fees fixed in this subsection or under any other statute and collected by them on the following actions, proceedings and appeals and remit monthly the total collected to the county treasurer for the exclusive use and benefit of the public law library in the county: (1) The sum of $1 for appeals to the court of common pleas from any administrative agency, independent agency, government unit, government agency or Commonwealth agency. (2) The sum of $1 for appeals that are filed with or are to be heard by the court of common pleas which appeals are not specifically set forth in paragraph (1), including, but not limited to, appeals from magisterial district judges, the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court and the Traffic Court of Pittsburgh. (3) The sum of $1 for appointments of Boards of View. (4) The sum of $1 for certiorari to magisterial district judges and the Pittsburgh Magistrates Court and the Traffic Court of Pittsburgh. (5) The sum of $1 for the commencement of a civil action or proceeding. (6) The sum of $1 for the filing of a praecipe for and issuance of a writ of execution or attachment. (7) The sum of $1 for the entry of a judgment by confession or otherwise. (8) The sum of $1 for the filing of adversary and amicable scire facias proceedings. (9) The sum of $1 for every filing with respect to fictitious names, whether individual or corporate. (10) The sum of $1 for the probate of a will, the issuance of letters of administration or a petition for disposition of decedents estates independent of the issuance of letters testamentary or of administration. (11) The sum of $1 for the filing of an account of fiduciary in the office of the clerk of the orphans' court division or in the office of the prothonotary. (12) The sum of $1 for the filing of a petition for a writ of habeas corpus for the custody of a minor child or a petition for the award of custody of a minor child. (13) The sum of $1 for the filing of a praecipe for the issuance of miscellaneous writs, for the filing of a petition for a citation or for the filing of a caveat not specifically provided for in this subsection. (e) Counties of the second class A.--In counties of the second class A, the prothonotary, the register of wills and the clerk of the court shall set apart from the fees fixed in this subsection or under any other statute and collected by them on the following actions and proceedings and remit monthly the total collected to the county treasurer for the exclusive use and benefit of the public law library in the county if the county commissioners so request and in the amount they so request: (1) The sum of not less than $5 nor more than $40 for the commencement of any civil action or proceeding. (2) The sum of not less than $5 nor more than $40 for the probate of a will, the issuance of letters of administration or any petition for disposition of decedents estates independent of the issuance of letters testamentary or of administration. (3) The sum of not less than $5 nor more than $40 for each misdemeanor or felony case processed by the clerk of courts. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Dec. 14, 1992, P.L.872, No.140, eff. 60 days; Oct. 7, 1996, P.L.691, No.119, eff. 120 days; June 8, 2001, P.L.123, No.18, eff. July 1, 2001; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; July 7, 2006, P.L.378, No.81, eff. 7 days; July 7, 2011, P.L.207, No.30, eff. imd.) 2011 Amendment. Act 30 amended subsec. (c)(3)(ii). 2006 Amendment. Act 81 amended subsec. (c)(2) and added subsec. (c)(3), (4), (5) and (6). Section 5 of Act 81 provided that Act 81 shall apply to all actions instituted on or after the effective date of Act 81. 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (d)(2) and (4). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. 1992 Amendment. Act 140 repealed subsecs. (a) and (b) and added subsecs. (c), (d) and (e). Special Provisions in Appendix. See section 24 of Act 142 of 1976 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to financial matters. Cross References. Section 1725 is referred to in sections 1702, 1725.1, 1904, 3542, 3571 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.1 Costs.

(a) Civil cases.--Subject to subsection (f), the costs to be charged by magisterial district judges in every civil case, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall be as follows: $30.00 (1) Actions involving $500 or less...... (2) Actions involving more than $500 but not more than $2,000.......................... $40.00 (3) Actions involving more than $2,000 but not more than $4,000...................... $50.00 (4) Actions involving more than $4,000 but not more than $12,000..................... $75.00 (5) Landlord-tenant actions involving less than $2,000................................... $45.00 (6) Landlord-tenant actions involving more than $2,000 but not more than $4,000......... $55.00 (7) Landlord-tenant actions involving more than $4,000 but not more than $12,000........ $75.00 $22.50 (8) Order of execution................... $10.00 (9) Objection to levy.................... $ 5.00 (10) Reinstatement of complaint......... Such costs shall include all charges except the costs of a magisterial district judge's transcript of every proceeding on appeal or certiorari (including affidavit and certificate) which shall be $2.50 per transcript. Said costs shall not include, however, the cost of postage and registered mail which shall be borne by the plaintiff. (a.1) Custody cases.--Except as provided in section 1725(c)(2)(v) (relating to establishment of fees and charges) and subject to subsection (f), in a custody case, the court of common pleas shall, in addition to the cost provided by general rule, assess a cost of $5.00. Eighty percent of the funds generated by the charge under this subsection shall be transmitted by the prothonotary to the Administrative Office to pay for the implementation of section 1904 (relating to availability of criminal charge information in child custody proceedings). (b) Criminal cases.--Subject to subsection (f), the costs to be charged by the minor judiciary or by the court of common pleas where appropriate in every criminal case, except as otherwise provided in this section, shall be as follows: (1) Summary conviction, except motor vehicle cases................................. $28.50 (2) Summary conviction, motor vehicles cases, other than paragraph (3).............. $22.50 (3) Summary conviction, motor vehicle cases, hearing demanded....................... $27.50 $32.50 (4) Misdemeanor.......................... $37.50 (5) Felony............................... Such costs shall include all charges including the costs of giving a magisterial district judge's transcript to the prosecutor or defendant, or both, if requested. Such costs shall not include, however, the cost of postage and registered mail which shall be paid by the defendant upon conviction. (c) Unclassified costs or charges.--Subject to subsection (f), the costs to be charged by the minor judiciary in the following instances not readily classifiable shall be as follows: (1) Entering transcript of judgment from another member of the minor judiciary........ $ 5.00 (2) Marrying each couple, making record thereof, and certificate to the parties...... $25.00 (3) Granting emergency relief pursuant to 23 Pa.C.S. Ch. 61 (relating to protection from abuse)......................................... $10.00 (4) Issuing a search warrant (except as provided in subsection (d)).................. $10.00 (5) Any other issuance not otherwise provided for in this subsection.............. $10.00 (d) Search warrants.--In every case where a search warrant is requested by a police officer, constable or other peace officer engaged as such in the employ or service of the Commonwealth or any of its political subdivisions, no cost or charge shall be assessed against such officer, the Commonwealth or political subdivision for the issuance of such search warrant. (e) Fish and boating offenses.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), any person convicted of a summary offense under Title 30 (relating to fish) shall, in addition to the fine imposed, be sentenced to pay $10 as costs of the issuing authority which costs shall include all charges including, when called for, the costs of postage and registered or certified mail and the costs of giving a transcript to the prosecutor or defendant, or both, if requested. (2) Where the person charged with a summary offense under Title 30 demands a hearing, the costs of the issuing authority shall be $15, which costs shall include all charges including the charges specified in paragraph (1). (f) Annual increase in costs.-- (1) Except as provided in paragraph (2), beginning on January 1, 1994, and each January 1 thereafter, the costs under subsections (a), (b) and (c) shall be increased by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers for the immediate preceding calendar year which shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin annually by the Supreme Court on or before the preceding November 30. This subsection shall expire January 1, 2025. (2) For the cost increase to be effective for calendar year 2002 only, the costs under subsections (a), (b) and (c) shall be increased by the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers for calendar year 2000 which shall be published by the Supreme Court in the Pennsylvania Bulletin as soon as possible after enactment. The increase for calendar year 2002 only shall be effective one month after publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. (July 20, 1979, P.L.157, No.52, eff. 60 days; July 10, 1980, P.L.513, No.106, eff. imd.; Dec. 13, 1982, P.L.1141, No.260, eff. Jan 1, 1983; Dec. 20, 1982 P.L.1409, No.326, eff. 60 days; Dec. 19, 1990, P.L.1240, No.206, eff. 90 days; Dec. 18, 1992, P.L.1269, No.167, eff. imd.; Oct. 7, 1996, P.L.691, No.119, eff. 120 days; Dec. 17, 2001, P.L.944, No.113, eff. imd.; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days; Oct. 27, 2010, P.L.949, No.96, eff. 60 days; July 7, 2011, P.L.207, No.30, eff. imd.) 2024 Partial Repeal. Section 21(14) of Act 54 provided that subsec. (f)(1) is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with the addition of section 1781-E(c) and (d) of the act of April 9, 1929, P.L.343, No.176, known as The Fiscal Code. 2024 Expiration. Section 16 of Act 54 added section 1781-E(c) and (d) of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.343, No.176), known as The Fiscal Code, which provided that subsec. (f)(1) shall expire on January 1, 2040. Amendment . Act 30 amended subsec. (a)(4) and (7). 2010 Amendment. Section 4(1) of Act 96 provided that the reenactment and amendment of subsec. (f)(1) shall apply to costs imposed on or after the effective date of section 4(1). 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsecs. (a) and (b). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. 2001 Amendment. Act 113 reenacted and amended the entire section, retroactive to January 1, 2001. 1992 Amendment. See sections 5 and 6 of Act 167 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to increases in court costs and revision of official revenue estimate. Cross References. Section 1725.1 is referred to in sections 1725.2, 1904, 3571, 3733 of this title; section 925 of Title 34 (Game); sections 3111, 4309, 4581 of Title 75 (Vehicles).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.2 Assumption of summary conviction costs by county.

(a) Division of costs.--In every case of summary conviction in which the evidence is not sufficient to convict and the defendant is dismissed, there shall be no costs imposed if the prosecutor is a police officer engaged as such in the employ of this Commonwealth or of any of its political subdivisions. In all other cases, the costs may be imposed on the prosecutor or by the defendant if so permitted by law. (b) Costs where default occurs.--In every case of summary conviction in which the defendant is convicted and sentenced to jail in default of the payment of the fine and costs imposed, the costs of prosecution shall be borne by the county. (c) County of the second class.--In any case before a salaried magistrate where costs are borne by a county of the second class, the costs chargeable to the county shall be one-half of the costs set forth in section 1725.1(b) (relating to costs). (July 20, 1979, P.L.157, No.52, eff. 60 days) 1979 Amendment. Act 52 added section 1725.2. Cross References. Section 1725.2 is referred to in section 3571 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.3 Criminal laboratory and paramedic user fee.

(a) Imposition.--A person who is placed on probation without verdict pursuant to section 17 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act, or who receives Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition or who pleads guilty to or nolo contendere to or who is convicted of a crime as defined in 18 Pa.C.S. § 106 (relating to classes of offenses) or 75 Pa.C.S. § 1543(b)(1.1) (relating to driving while operating privilege is suspended or revoked) or 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance) or 3735 (relating to homicide by vehicle while driving under influence) or 3735.1 (relating to aggravated assault while driving under the influence) or 3808(a)(2) (relating to illegally operating a motor vehicle not equipped with ignition interlock) or a violation of The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act shall, in addition to any fines, penalties or costs, in every case where laboratory services were required to prosecute the crime or violation, be sentenced to pay a criminal laboratory or paramedic user fee which shall include, but not be limited to, the cost of sending a laboratory technician or paramedic to court proceedings. (b) Amount of user fee.-- (1) The director or similar officer of the county laboratory or emergency medical services agency that has provided services in the prosecution shall determine the actual cost of the laboratory or paramedic services provided in the prosecution and transmit a statement for services rendered to the court. (2) If a Pennsylvania State Police laboratory has provided services in the prosecution, the director or similar officer of the Pennsylvania State Police laboratory shall determine the actual cost of the laboratory services provided in the prosecution and transmit a statement for services rendered to the court. (c) Disposition of fees.-- (1) The criminal laboratory user fee for criminal laboratory services provided by a county shall be paid to the county and shall be used solely for operation and maintenance of the county laboratory. The criminal laboratory user fee for criminal laboratory services provided by the Pennsylvania State Police laboratory shall be paid into the Criminal Laboratory User Fee Fund created under paragraph (2). (2) A special nonlapsing fund of the State Treasury is hereby established and shall be known as the Criminal Laboratory User Fee Fund. Money in the Criminal Laboratory User Fee Fund is hereby appropriated to the Pennsylvania State Police and shall be used solely for operation and maintenance of Pennsylvania State Police criminal laboratories. (3) The paramedic user fee for laboratory services provided by a paramedic shall be paid to the emergency medical services agency and shall be used solely for the provision of criminal laboratory services. (d) Other laws.--The criminal laboratory and paramedic user fee shall be imposed notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. (Dec. 14, 1992, P.L.872, No.140; Sept. 30, 2003, P.L.120, No.24, eff. Feb. 1, 2004; Dec. 18, 2013, P.L.1187, No.112, eff. 60 days; Nov. 3, 2016, P.L.1094, No.142, eff. 90 days) 1992 Amendment. Act 140 added section 1725.3, effective January 1, 1994, as to subsecs. (b)(2) and (c)(2) and immediately as to the remainder of the section. Section 6 of Act 140 provided that section 1725.3 shall apply to offenses committed on or after the effective date of Act 140.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.4 Fee increases and automation fee.

(a) Increasing existing fees.-- (1) In counties of the second class A and the third through eighth class, including home rule counties of the same class, the clerk of courts may increase any fee or charge that exists as of the effective date of this section with the approval of the president judge. The amount of any increase may not be greater than the aggregate of the consumer price index from the month in which the fee was last established through June 1998. (2) The amount of any fee or charge increased pursuant to paragraph (1) may be increased every three years, provided that the amount of the increase may not be greater than the percentage of increase in the Consumer Price Index for Urban Workers for the immediate three years preceding the last increase in the fee or charge. (b) Automation fee for clerk of courts office.--In addition to any other fee authorized by law, an automation fee of not more than $5 may be charged and collected by the clerk of courts of counties of the second class A and the third through eighth class, including home rule counties of the same class, for the initiation of any action or legal proceeding. The automation fee shall be deposited into a special clerk of courts automation fund established in each county. Moneys in the special fund shall be used solely for the purpose of automation and continued automation update of the office of the clerk of courts. (June 22, 2000, P.L.333, No.36, eff. 60 days) 2000 Amendment. Act 36 added section 1725.4.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.5 Booking center fee.

(a) Imposition.--Following the adoption of a countywide booking center plan, a person may, in addition to any other fines, penalties or costs imposed by law, be required by the court to pay a booking center fund fee of no more than $300 if the person: (1) Is placed on probation without verdict pursuant to section 17 of the act of April 14, 1972 (P.L.233, No.64), known as The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. (2) Receives Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition for, pleads guilty to or nolo contendere to or is convicted of a crime under the following: (i) 18 Pa.C.S. § 106(a) (relating to classes of offenses). (ii) 75 Pa.C.S. § 3735 (relating to homicide by vehicle while driving under influence). (iii) 75 Pa.C.S. § 3802 (relating to driving under influence of alcohol or controlled substance). (iv) A violation of The Controlled Substance, Drug, Device and Cosmetic Act. (b) Disposition.--The fee under subsection (a) shall be paid to the county and deposited into a special central or regional booking center fund established in the county. Moneys in the special fund shall be used solely for the implementation of a countywide booking center plan under section 1725.6 (relating to countywide booking center plan) and the start-up, operation or maintenance of a booking center. (c) Other laws.--The booking center fee shall be imposed notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. (Sept. 25, 2008, P.L.1026, No.81, eff. 180 days) 2008 Amendment. Act 81 added section 1725.5. Cross References. Section 1725.5 is referred to in section 1725.6 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.6 Countywide booking center plan.

(a) Development.-- (1) A court in a county that has developed and adopted a countywide booking center plan may impose the fee established under section 1725.5 (relating to booking center fee). (2) A county with a criminal justice advisory board shall develop the plan in conjunction with the criminal justice advisory board. (3) A county that does not have a criminal justice advisory board shall develop the plan in conjunction with the district attorney, local police departments and municipalities within the county. (b) Requirements.--The plan adopted under subsection (a) shall do all of the following: (1) Ensure coordination and collaboration of all criminal justice agencies within the county. (2) Comply with all applicable Federal and State technology standards for the collection and transmission of offender identification information. (3) Make recommendations regarding the number, funding and operations of booking centers within the county. The plan shall prioritize the recommendations. (c) Submission.-- (1) The plan shall be submitted to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency for review and certification that the plan complies with the requirements of subsection (b)(2). (2) The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency shall provide a list of all certified county plans to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts upon each county's certification. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency shall update this list and provide it to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts whenever a county is added or subtracted from the list. (d) Duties of commission.--The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency shall do all of the following: (1) Determine and certify if a countywide booking center plan submitted by a county criminal justice advisory board or the county commissioners complies with subsection (b)(2). (2) Adopt guidelines within 90 days of the effective date of this section relating to technology standards for the collection and transmission of offenders' identification. The guidelines shall be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin. (e) Implementation.--Following certification by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency under subsection (d), the county may appropriate moneys in the special central or regional booking center fund to implement the plan to the greatest extent possible. (f) Limitation.--No more than 5% of moneys in the special central or regional booking center fund may be appropriated by the county for the county's administrative costs related to the collection of the fee under section 1725.5. (g) Definitions.--As used in this section, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this subsection: "Booking center." A facility utilized for the processing and identification of individuals arrested, charged or accused of a crime. "County criminal justice advisory board." A county criminal justice planning board which meets the minimum standard for those boards established by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. "Countywide booking center plan." A written plan that includes a comprehensive strategy to improve the collection, transfer and maintenance of electronic offender identification information. (Sept. 25, 2008, P.L.1026, No.81, eff. 180 days) 2008 Amendment. Act 81 added section 1725.6. Cross References. Section 1725.6 is referred to in section 1725.5 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1725.7 Petition for expungement or order for limited access fee.

(a) General rule.--In addition to any other fee authorized by law, a person who files a petition for expungement under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122 (relating to expungement) or a petition for an order for limited access under 18 Pa.C.S. § 9122.1 (relating to order for limited access) shall pay a fee of $132 to the clerk of courts at the time of filing. (b) Distribution.--The clerk of courts shall ensure that the fee is distributed as follows: (1) One-quarter to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. (2) One-quarter to the Pennsylvania State Police. (3) One-quarter to the district attorney of the county. (4) One-quarter to the clerk of courts. (Feb. 16, 2016, P.L.10, No.5, eff. 270 days) 2016 Amendment. Act 5 added section 1725.7.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1726 Establishment of taxable costs.

(a) Standards for costs.--The governing authority shall prescribe by general rule the standards governing the imposition and taxation of costs, including the items which constitute taxable costs, the litigants who shall bear such costs, and the discretion vested in the courts to modify the amount and responsibility for costs in specific matters. All system and related personnel shall be bound by such general rules. In prescribing such general rules, the governing authority shall be guided by the following considerations, among others: (1) Attorney's fees are not an item of taxable costs except to the extent authorized by section 2503 (relating to right of participants to receive counsel fees). (2) The prevailing party should recover his costs from the unsuccessful litigant except where the: (i) Costs relate to the existence, possession or disposition of a fund and the costs should be borne by the fund. (ii) Question involved is a public question or where the applicable law is uncertain and the purpose of the litigants is primarily to clarify the law. (iii) Application of the rule would work substantial injustice. (3) The imposition of actual costs or a multiple thereof may be used as a penalty for violation of general rules or rules of court. (b) Private collection agencies.--The governing authority shall have the option of turning over delinquent accounts to private collection agencies which shall be selected through the competitive bidding process. (Dec. 18, 1992, P.L.1269, No.167, eff. imd.) Cross References. Section 1726 is referred to in sections 1702, 3542 of this title; section 3345.1 of Title 75 (Vehicles).

42 Pa.C.S. § 1726.1 Forensic examination costs for sexual offenses.

The cost of a forensic rape examination or other physical examination conducted for the purpose of gathering evidence in any criminal investigation and prosecution under 18 Pa.C.S. Ch. 31 (relating to sexual offenses) and the cost to provide medications prescribed to the victim therein shall not be charged to the victim. If appropriate insurance is unavailable, reimbursement may be sought pursuant to the provisions of section 477.9 of the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929. (Sept. 26, 1995, 1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1056, No.20, eff. 60 days) 1995 Amendment. Act 20, 1st Sp.Sess., added section 1726.1. References in Text. Section 477.9 of the act of April 9, 1929, P.L.177, No.175, known as The Administrative Code of 1929, referred to in this section, was repealed by the act of November 24, 1998, P.L.882, No.111, known as the Crime Victims Act. The subject matter is now contained in Act 111.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1726.2 Criminal prosecutions involving domestic violence.

(a) General rule.--In any criminal prosecution of an offense related to an incident involving domestic violence, of any type or grade, whether the charges were filed by private criminal complaint, by the police or by the district attorney, no fees, costs or fines associated with the filing of the criminal charges, the issuance or service of a warrant, protection order or subpoena and other generated costs shall be charged to the victim. (b) Definition.--For purposes of this section, an offense related to an incident involving domestic violence shall be defined as any of the offenses or crimes set forth in Title 18 (relating to crimes and offenses), where the alleged perpetrator and victim have one of the relationships set forth in the definition of "family or household member" in 23 Pa.C.S. § 6102 (relating to definitions) or are persons who reside or resided temporarily or permanently in the same dwelling. (Sept. 26, 1995, 1st Sp.Sess., P.L.1056, No.20, eff. 60 days) 1995 Amendment. Act 20, 1st Sp.Sess., added section 1726.2.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1727 Budget and financial matters.

The governing authority shall have power to: (1) Review the tentative budget request of the system prepared by the Administrative Office pursuant to section 3522 (relating to preparation of tentative budget request), to make such modifications therein as in its judgment are necessary or desirable, and to approve a final budget request of the system pursuant to Subchapter B of Chapter 35 (relating to Judicial Department budget and finance). (2) Approve or disapprove requests for the purchase from funds appropriated to the system of goods or services by personnel of the system, including the rental of space, and requests for the construction or modification of Commonwealth facilities to be utilized by the system.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1728 Recognition of related organizations.

(a) General rule.--The governing authority shall have power on application to identify the several conferences or associations which are the most broadly representative of each of the following groups: (1) Judges of the courts of common pleas, community courts and Philadelphia Municipal Court. (2) Magisterial district judges. (3) Members of the bar of this Commonwealth. If the governing authority shall approve the organic law of the conference or association insofar as it relates to matters affecting the system, the governing authority may by general rule designate the applicant as the recognized conference or association of such group for the purposes of this title and any other provision of law. (b) Changes in recognition.--The governing authority may transfer recognition from one conference or association of a group to another such conference or association whenever the governing authority shall find that the circumstances warrant such change and shall revoke the designation of any conference or association if it shall find that such conference or association would not be designated a recognized conference or association if then making application therefor. (c) Expenses.--The governing authority may authorize the payment of the expenses of personnel of the system incident to participation in the work of a recognized conference or association and may make grants for the support of the work thereof. (Apr. 28, 1978, P.L.202, No.53, eff. 60 days; Nov. 30, 2004, P.L.1618, No.207, eff. 60 days) 2004 Amendment. Act 207 amended subsec. (a). See section 29 of Act 207 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to construction of law. Cross References. Section 1728 is referred to in section 1702 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1729 Conferences and institutes.

The governing authority shall have power by general rule or by order to provide for the organization and convening on a regular or special basis of a Judicial Conference of Pennsylvania, institutes and joint councils on sentencing, and such other informational and educational conferences and institutes as the governing authority may find to be necessary or desirable for the prompt, fair and efficient administration of justice, and to require the attendance of such personnel of the system as shall be designated by or pursuant to such general rules or orders. The governing authority may cooperate with other states and the Federal Government in the convening, organization and maintenance of conferences and institutes authorized by this section.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1730 Boards, councils, commissions and committees.

The governing authority shall have power by general rules or by order to establish and discontinue boards, councils, commissions, committees or other bodies composed of personnel of the system and other persons to consider, report or take action on any subject specified in such general rules or order affecting the organization or operation of the unified judicial system and the offices related to and serving the system. Existing Boards, Etc. See section 14 of Act 142 of 1976 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to the continuation of existing judicial boards, commissions and committees. Cross References. Section 1730 is referred to in section 1721 of this title.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1741 Compensation of judges.

(a) Base salaries.--Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary: (1) A person who is elected or appointed to a term as a justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Commonwealth Court, judge of a court of common pleas, judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court, judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court or magisterial district judge after the effective date of this section shall receive a salary that is equal to the salary payable to persons who held that particular judicial office on the day prior to the effective date of this section, plus $1 and any applicable cost-of-living adjustment or adjustments under subsection (b). (2) A person who serves a term as a justice of the Supreme Court, judge of the Superior Court, judge of the Commonwealth Court, judge of a court of common pleas, judge of the Philadelphia Municipal Court, judge of the Philadelphia Traffic Court or magisterial district judge on the effective date of this section shall receive a salary that is equal to the salary payable to persons holding that particular judicial office on the day prior to the effective date of this section, plus $1 and any applicable cost-of-living adjustment or adjustments under subsection (b). (b) Cost-of-living adjustments.-- (1) For the 12-month period beginning January 1, 2008, and each January 1 thereafter, the annual salaries for persons subject to subsection (a)(1) or (2) shall be increased by the percentage change, if any, in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) for the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland area for the most recent 12-month period for which figures are officially reported by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, immediately prior to the date the adjustment is due to take effect. (2) In no event shall deflation result in a negative cost-of-living adjustment to a salary under subsection (a)(1) or (2). (c) Limitation.-- (1) No justice of the Supreme Court shall receive any annual salary insofar as that salary is based on any increase in the base salary of a circuit court judge of the United States Court of Appeals that occurs after the effective date of this section. (2) No judge of the Superior Court or Commonwealth Court shall receive any annual salary insofar as that salary is based on any increase in the base salary of a judge of the United States District Court that occurs after the effective date of this section. (3) No judge of a court of common pleas or Philadelphia Municipal Court, Philadelphia Traffic Court or magisterial district judge shall receive any annual salary insofar as that annual salary is based on any increase in the base salary of a United States magistrate judge that occurs after the effective date of this section. 2020 Partial Repeal. Section 4(2) of Act 79 of 2020 provided that subsec. (b) is repealed insofar as it is inconsistent with the amendment of section 2.1 of the act of September 30, 1983, P.L.160, No.39, known as the Public Official Compensation Law. References in Text. The Traffic Court of Philadelphia, referred to in subsecs. (a)(1) and (2) and (c), was abolished by Joint Resolution No.2 of 2016.

42 Pa.C.S. § 1742 Exclusive jurisdiction of Supreme Court.

The Pennsylvania Supreme Court shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear any challenge to or to render a declaratory judgment concerning the constitutionality of this subchapter. The Supreme Court is authorized to take such action as it deems appropriate, consistent with the Supreme Court retaining jurisdiction over such a matter, to find facts or to expedite a final judgment in connection with such a challenge or request for declaratory relief.

Source: Open US Law by Vaquill AI (CC BY 4.0)URL: https://www.palegis.us/statutes/consolidated/view-statute?txtType=HTM&ttl=42Fetched: 10/16/2026