Mar. 22—A resolution was introduced Wednesday in the state House of Representatives which, if approved, would restart the investigation into a possible impeachment of Schuylkill County Commissioner George F. Halcovage Jr.

Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp., said House Resolution 44 is similar to HR 99 introduced in the last session that empowered the Judiciary Committee to act.

Introduction of the resolution comes after criticism of House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Tim Briggs, D-149, Montgomery County, by some Republicans for lack of action.

As of Wednesday, things seem to be smoothed over.

"We really don't want to play politics," Twardzik said. "We want to solve a problem that has been ongoing in our courthouse."

Halcovage is facing allegations of sexual harassment and assault in a federal lawsuit by four county employees.

Twardzik described a Zoom call he had with Briggs about the subject on Wednesday as a "good conversation."

Briggs had fired back against the GOP criticism in an email on Tuesday, saying that Republicans in the last legislative session allowed the investigation to drag out for 18 months.

He contended "they were focused almost entirely on a politically charged effort to impeach Philadelphia County District Attorney (Larry) Krasner."

Briggs was more optimistic Wednesday, saying introduction of the resolution is a "good first step."

He said a voting meeting by the Judiciary Committee would have to occur regarding the resolution.

"It's one of the most serious things we do," he said of carrying out the impeachment process.

Howard Merrick, the Schuylkill County Republican Party chairman, said introduction of the resolution was welcome news.

"The speed at which this resolution was put forth shows how important this issue is for the citizens of Schuylkill County," he said. "I would hope that the Judiciary Committee under Chairman Briggs will act as quickly to take up this issue as soon as possible."

HR 99, introduced in May 2021, passed the Judiciary Committee and was approved in a 200-0 vote by the full House in November of that year.

On Jan. 11, 2022, the Judiciary Committee's Subcommittee on Courts was authorized to act.

The six subcommittee members collected testimony and held several hearings in 2022.

On Sept. 19, members voted 5-1 to issue a referral to the state Attorney General's Office, citing information they deemed "of a criminal nature," and voted unanimously to authorize more subpoenas.

The panel, while intending to complete its probe before the session ended, announced in October it needed more time.

That required new action to restart the process.

Along with Twardzik as prime sponsor, HR 44 is also sponsored by other representatives whose districts include Schuylkill County: Jamie Barton, R-124, East Brunswick Twp., Joanne Stehr, R-107, Hegins; and Dane Watro, R-116, Kline Twp.

Sen. David G. Argall, R-29 Rush Twp., and Rep. Paul Schemel, R-90, Franklin County, who had chaired the subcommittee, blamed Democrats, saying the process was stalled in the new session.

Argall said in a statement Tuesday he would "strongly encourage" Briggs to continue the investigation.

The new legislative session overall began slowly after a Democratic speaker, Rep. Mark Rozzi, D-126, Berks County, was elected despite Republican control.

Rozzi then adjourned the House for nearly a month over the political upheaval regarding his appointment and lack of agreement on rules governing the House.

A new Subcommittee on Courts must be established, something new House Speaker Joanna McClinton, D-191, Philadelphia/Delaware, would organize, Briggs said.

There are 21 members on the House Judiciary Committee: 12 Democrats and nine Republicans.

Briggs said the reconstituted subcommittee would have four Democrats and two Republicans because of the Democratic majority.

The subcommittee could request the information gathered from the last legislative session be used if the committee is reauthorized.

However, members also might want to do their own investigation, Briggs said.

Schemel and Joseph Hohenstein, D-177, Philadelphia, also a former member of the subcommittee, are on the new Judiciary Committee, Briggs said, and could be renamed to the subcommittee.

If the committee finds Halcovage engaged in "impeachable" conduct, articles of impeachment can be prepared.

If he is impeached by the House, the state Senate would conduct a trial. If two-thirds of the 50 senators vote for conviction, Halcovage would be removed from office.

In June 2020, the Schuylkill County solicitor and human resources office found that Halcovage violated county policies on sexual harassment, conduct and discipline.

District Attorney Michael A. O'Pake referred the case to the state Attorney General's Office on July 8, 2020.

That office closed the case Feb. 5, 2021, without filing charges. Details were not provided, although a spokesman at the time said the statute of limitations was among the considerations.

A Republican, Halcovage has denied the allegations and is seeking reelection.

Halcovage, County Administrator Gary R. Bender, assistant solicitor Glenn Roth and two former human resource directors were sued in federal court in March 2021 by four female county employees.

The plaintiffs filed an amended complaint in October 2021 alleging retaliation for having filed the suit.

Contact the writer: amarchiano@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6023