Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1671

Introduced
9/12/23  

Caption

In requirements and prohibitions, further providing for Commonwealth agencies.

Impact

The enactment of HB 1671 is expected to promote a more transparent government by ensuring that citizens have immediate access to information and assistance from human representatives, rather than being hindered by automated answering services. This change aims to strengthen the public's right to access information and enhance the responsiveness of government services, making it easier for residents to navigate state processes and find necessary information.

Summary

House Bill 1671 amends the Right-to-Know Law in Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on enhancing the accessibility of public records provided by Commonwealth agencies. The bill mandates that when individuals call a publicly accessible telephone line of a Commonwealth agency, they must be able to speak directly with an employee who can assist with inquiries rather than being routed through automated systems. This provision is designed to improve transparency and facilitate better communication between the government and the public.

Sentiment

General sentiment surrounding HB 1671 appears positive among those advocating for government transparency and public engagement. Proponents argue that the bill addresses long-standing frustrations that citizens face when trying to obtain information from government agencies, ultimately fostering a more accountable and user-friendly public service. However, there may be some unease from agencies concerned about the potential burden this requirement could impose on their operational resources.

Contention

One notable point of contention may revolve around the balance between administrative efficiency and public service accessibility. Some may argue that while enhancing direct communication is beneficial, it could require considerable changes to existing protocols within Commonwealth agencies. The feasibility of implementing such a requirement may spark debate regarding the potential costs and logistical challenges agencies may face while trying to comply.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB197

In requirements and prohibitions, further providing for Commonwealth agencies.

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 HB1342

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

PA HB735

In Commonwealth budget procedures, providing for scope and for

PA HB974

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB210

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

PA HB1146

In Commonwealth budget procedures, further providing for lapsing of funds.

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 HB2370

In preliminary provisions, providing for advertising and sponsorships; in charter schools, further providing for definitions, for charter school requirements and for funding for charter schools, providing for funding for cyber charter schools, for cyber charter school requirements, for powers and composition of board of trustees and for educational management service providers, further providing for powers and duties of department and for assessment and evaluation, providing for annual reports and public reporting and for fund balance limits, further providing for cyber charter school requirements and prohibitions and for school district and intermediate unit responsibilities, providing for access to other schools' facilities, further providing for establishment of cyber charter school, providing for renewals, for charter amendments and for causes for nonrenewal, revocation or termination, further providing for State Charter School Appeal Board review, for cyber charter school application and for enrollment and notification, providing for enrollment parameters and for enrollee wellness checks and further providing for applicability of other provisions of this act and of other acts and regulations; and, in reimbursements by Commonwealth and between school districts, further providing for student-weighted basic education funding, providing for adequacy and tax equity supplements and for accountability to Commonwealth taxpayers and further providing for Pennsylvania accountability grants.

PA SB350

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.