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Scott celebrates signing of law supporting magisterial district judge education and training

Pennsylvania House Democratic Caucus    February 5, 2026 | 2:10 PM

HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 — 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, D-Montgomery.

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.”

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.”

Ronald Haggerty Jr., president of the Special Court Judges Association of Pennsylvania, lauded the updated administrative costs.

“The SCJAP is extremely grateful that the legislature included our funding into H.B. 331,” Haggerty said. “This funding is crucial for the sustainability and future of our mission.”

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.