PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB974

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB974

Introduced
4/24/23  
Refer
4/24/23  
Refer
3/18/24  
Report Pass
3/19/24  
Engrossed
3/19/24  

Caption

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

Impact

If passed, HB 974 would significantly alter the landscape of public records access in Pennsylvania. The amendment to the Right-to-Know Law would strengthen confidentiality protections for documents that could compromise personal privacy. This change could impact the accountability of state agencies and officials, as it narrows the scope of what records can be requested by the public. Supporters argue that these measures are vital for protecting sensitive information, while critics express concerns that they could hinder transparency in governance.

Summary

House Bill 974 aims to amend the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law by providing further exceptions related to public records. It specifically addresses the handling of notes and working papers prepared by public officials or agency employees. The bill clarifies that certain documents used solely for personal use or to assist individuals with disabilities, such as transcriptions or braille translations, will not be accessible to the public. Furthermore, it proposes additional safeguards for the identity of individuals involved in settled sexual harassment or assault claims, preventing disclosure without their consent.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB 974 have been mixed. Supporters view the amendments as necessary to protect individual privacy and ensure that those with disabilities can access requisite services without bureaucratic barriers. Conversely, opponents argue that the restrictions may undermine public access to information, which is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The sentiments highlight a tension between the need for individual privacy rights and the public's right to know about governmental actions.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention relates to the potential for reduced transparency regarding governmental operations. Critics fear that if routine documents and communications are shielded from public view, it could lead to a lack of accountability for public officials. They worry that while the intention behind the amendments is to protect sensitive information, it may inadvertently allow officials to operate with less oversight. This has raised debates about finding a balance between safeguarding personal privacy and upholding public interests.

Latest PA HB974 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB974

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB802

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB634

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB458

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB657

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in requirements and prohibitions, providing for Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for requests and for retention of records; in procedure, further providing for requests, for written requests, for electronic access, for creation of record, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for general rule and for extension of time; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB99

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer, for appeals officer, for regulations and policies, for uniform form, for requests and for retention of records and providing for inmate access; in procedure, further providing for written requests, for redaction, for production of certain records and for exceptions for public records; in agency response, further providing for extension of time and providing for relief from vexatious requesters; in appeal of agency determination, further providing for filing of appeal and for appeals officers; in judicial review, further providing for court costs and attorney fees, for civil penalty, for fee limitations and for Office of Open Records; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for relation to other laws.

PA HB1902

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB80

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB91

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB1342

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB868

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.