• A Senate Resolution - opens in a new tab is passed by the Senate only. Simple Resolutions are referred to a committee, while Unanimous Consent Resolutions are introduced and adopted by unanimous consent on the Senate Floor.
• A Concurrent Resolution must pass the Senate and House. It is sent to the Governor for consideration if it commits the state to action.
• A Joint Resolution is limited to constitutional amendments, and requires passage from both houses but is not sent to the Governor for approval. It is filed with the Department of State for further action as needed.
• View resolutions hereView Resolutions - opens in a new tab.

A Senate Journal - opens in a new tab is the official record of session. It is a verbatim account of all the action and debate that transpires on the Senate floor during a session day. Recorded by the Official Reporter in the Senate chamber, these transcripts are later approved by the Senate as a body. Found on the LDPC website dating back to 1949 and in the Senate Library from 1802, they are an important legislative reference.

Published at the end of the two-year session, the Senate Histories - opens in a new tab are a complete list of all Senate bills and resolutions introduced during the session. They also include information on committees, Executive Nominations, Members of the Senate and much more. This data is compiled by the Secretary's Office and available online and in our Senate Library.

The Senate Rules - opens in a new tab are the parliamentary procedures adopted by the Senate on Opening Day, the first Tuesday of January at the beginning of a two-year session.

The Pennsylvania Constitution - opens in a new tab is the foundation of our state government. Adopted in 1776, it was the framework for the U.S. Constitution, which did not take effect until 1789. The articles and amendments of the PA Constitution compose the fundamental law of the Commonwealth. Each time the Constitution is amended, the Secretary's Office produces revised booklets.

The Pennsylvania Manual is a comprehensive reference to our State government. Published biennially and for more than 200 years, this publication provides Pennsylvanians with a wealth of knowledge of PA's history, Constitution and government officials from all three branches of our State government. Compiled by the Department of General Services, and updated by the Secretary's Office, copies can be purchased online at www.ShopPAheritage.com - opens in a new tab. The Secretary's Office has a limited supply on hand.

Pursuant to the Pennsylvania Constitution, on the first Tuesday of January every year, the General Assembly of Pennsylvania begins a new legislative session. On Opening Day, in the odd-numbered years, Senators-elect are sworn in, the body elects its Officers such as the President Pro Tempore, Secretary-Parliamentarian and Chief Clerk, and the Senate organizes itself as a body ready to conduct the business at hand.

The legislative session is actually comprised of two, one-year sessions. Throughout session, the Pennsylvania General Assembly's Senators and Representatives serve their constituents and conduct legislative business. At the end of this period, all legislation not finally acted upon dies.

Every Opening Day since 1790, Pennsylvania Senators-elect and Officers of the Senate have taken the Oath of Office. Verbally and in writing, Senators vow to serve their constituents with fidelity, and Officers, to fulfill their duties with honor. Then, each adds their name to the Senate's Oath Books as proof of taking the Oath of Office. The Oath of Office is provided for in the PA constitution, Article VI, Section 3 - opens in a new tab.