Shapiro signs bills aimed at better educating, training Magisterial District Judges

HARRISBURG- Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro this week signed into law legislation that includes more financial support for the continued education and training of magisterial district judges, a provision authored by state Rep. Greg Scott.

Scott, a former Montgomery County magisterial district judge, says the increase in funding reflects inflation rates and widespread rising costs. The current funding rate was set in 1998.

“Magisterial district judges are the front lines of our judicial system,” Scott said. “To be knowledgeable and nimble, they must learn and adapt as the judicial system adapts and changes with the world around them. Raising the per-judge allotment for these kinds of educational resources will give judges more support in staying current and successful.”

Magisterial District Judges are where most cases originate in Pennsylvania. Traffic citations, landlord/tenant disputes, small-claims civil lawsuits, and all state-level criminal dockets originate in front of these MDJs, with them also approving (or not approving) search and seizure as well as criminal warrants.

When someone is arrested, MDJs also impose bail, both monetary and certain conditions. They can accept guilty pleas and impose sentence for certain misdemeanors. In more serious crimes, their preliminary hearings can dictate whether a case can be elevated to Common Pleas court in the county the offense is committed.

They also preside over the following summary charges: minor violations under the crimes code, most traffic violations, violations of city, borough, and township ordinances and violations of the fish, game and dog laws. MDJs in summary cases function as both judge and jury. They hear evidence, make a ruling and impose sentence if there is a conviction. 

The Scott provision will raise the per-judge administrative costs of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania from $200 per judge to $400, giving the association more funds to support judges’ participation in quarterly conferences, educational symposiums, technology workshops, safety training and more.

“As a former judge, I’m proud to see this measure signed into law,” Scott said. “I know first-hand that continuing to learn and grow helps you shape a successful career, and this update will help our current and future judges stay sharp.”

The provision passed the House on concurrence and was signed into law Wednesday as part of state Rep. Tim Briggs’ H.B. 331, which will ensure that the full $6 fee assessed on traffic citations go to support civil legal aid services. Scott originally introduced his legislation in May as H.B. 1449.