Pennsylvania House Bill HB573

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/20/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Refer: 6/28/23
• Report Pass: 9/22/23
• Refer: 9/22/23
• Report Pass: 10/18/23
• Refer: 10/18/23

Caption

In powers and duties in general, further providing for departmental reports; in COVID-19 record retention, further providing for retention of records related to COVID-19; and making an editorial change.

Impact

The bill impacts state laws by establishing stricter requirements for retention and reporting of documents related to disaster responses. The required reports are intended to provide a thorough assessment of weaknesses within each agency that could hinder future responses to emergencies. By mandating these comprehensive reports and ensuring that they are kept confidential until approved for release by the Governor, the bill aims to bolster governmental accountability and enhance the State's ability to manage disasters effectively.

Summary

House Bill 573 amends the Administrative Code of 1929 to improve the reporting requirements for government agencies, specifically focusing on enhancing accountability in response to COVID-19. The bill mandates that all executive agencies preserve records related to their response to disaster emergencies, including COVID-19, and maintain these records per their existing retention policies. This legislative change is aimed at fostering transparency in how government actions are documented and reviewed during emergencies, ensuring that agencies can account for their decisions and responses.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 573 appears to be generally supportive among legislators who recognize the importance of government accountability and thorough record-keeping, especially in light of the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Advocates argue that these changes are essential to prevent future administrative failures during emergencies and ensure that public resources are managed transparently. However, there are also concerns regarding the potential for overreach in record confidentiality, as discussions around appropriate levels of transparency versus privacy have been contentious.

Contention

Notable points of contention in the discussions around HB 573 include debates about the level of confidentiality that should be applied to the records retained under this bill. Critics argue that excessive confidentiality could inhibit public access to vital information, ultimately running counter to the principles of open governance. Balancing the need for accountability with concerns over bureaucratic secrecy remains a significant issue, suggesting that while the intent of the bill is to enhance governmental transparency, its implementation could raise practical challenges and debates regarding public access to records.