The Pennsylvania state House of Representatives is facing another potential change in its membership. Over the past two years, the chamber has seen a lot of turnover with lawmakers coming and going, leading to special elections and a delicate balance of power within the House.
While some changes have been positive, such as lawmakers moving on to higher offices, others have been more difficult, like resignations due to allegations of misconduct. The latest issue involving criminal charges adds a new layer of complexity to the situation.
State Rep. Kevin Boyle is facing a warrant for his arrest for allegedly violating a protection from abuse order. This comes after a series of incidents, including losing security access following an altercation at a bar and previous arrests related to harassment and violating protection orders.
The seriousness of the situation is evident in the rare move to potentially expel a member, as the Pennsylvania House has only expelled 15 members since 1683. The focus on mental health in addressing this issue highlights the importance of prioritizing the well-being of lawmakers over political power.
House Majority Leader Matt Bradford has introduced a resolution to create a new process for expelling a member based on their inability to effectively perform their job. The Boyle family is well-known in Pennsylvania politics, with Kevin and his brother Brendan both serving in the House at one point.
Ultimately, the goal should be to have qualified and capable individuals representing the people of Pennsylvania, regardless of political implications. The potential impact on the balance of power within the House is secondary to ensuring that lawmakers are able to fulfill their duties effectively and responsibly.