Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB845

Introduced
3/10/25  

Caption

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

Impact

The implementation of HB 845 is expected to streamline the name-changing process by allowing individuals to apply directly to the Department of Health, reducing the burden on the court system. The bill mandates that name changes for individuals convicted of felonies can occur but require specific notifications to law enforcement and a review of criminal history. This adjustment aims at balancing the rights of individuals seeking to reintegrate into society while maintaining public safety standards by giving law enforcement agencies access to updated name records.

Summary

House Bill 845 seeks to amend Title 54 (Names) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to regulate the process of changing an individual's name both through court proceedings and via administrative applications. The bill reinforces the requirement for court approval for changes of name while introducing an administrative process facilitated by the Department of Health. This new administrative procedure aims to simplify the process for individuals seeking a change of name, including provisions for name changes of minors and those with felony records under specific conditions.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding HB 845 appears to lean positively towards increased accessibility for name changes through administrative means. Proponents argue that the bill would make the process quicker and more manageable for those who wish to change their name, particularly benefiting marginalized groups. However, potential concerns have been raised regarding privacy and the implications of allowing name changes for individuals with felony convictions, suggesting a need for a thorough examination of how these changes might be perceived by the public and law enforcement.

Contention

Notable contentions surrounding the bill include discussions about the appropriate level of regulation for name changes as they relate to both public records and individual freedoms. Questions have been raised about the adequacy of safeguards to prevent misuse of the administrative process by individuals with criminal histories. Moreover, the requirement for notifying the Pennsylvania State Police and other agencies when a name change is granted to a convicted felon has prompted debates on privacy concerns and the long-term implications for those individuals' integration into the community.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1817

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA SB530

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA SB528

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA HB610

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA SB574

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court.

PA HB1703

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration, for electronic submission of changes to registration and for time for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA HB852

Further providing for definitions; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1457

Further providing for definitions; providing for medical loss ratio; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1827

In preliminary provisions relating to voter registration, further providing for definitions; in registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for qualifications to register, for methods of voter registration, for application with driver's license application and for government agencies, providing for same-day voter registration and for preregistration data entry and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications; in changes in records, further providing for death of registrant; in voting procedures, providing for prohibition of rejecting ballots based solely on signature analysis; making a repeal; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1758

In registration system, further providing for SURE system; in voter registration, further providing for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for public information lists; and, in changes in records, further providing for removal notices, for transfer of registration and for death of registrant.

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