Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB549

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

In dockets, indices and other records, providing for limited access to eviction information.

Impact

The proposed changes will have significant implications for how eviction cases are handled within the court system. By allowing certain eviction records to be marked as limited access, the bill aims to reduce the stigma associated with eviction, which can have long-lasting adverse effects on tenants' ability to secure housing in the future. This shift is aligned with efforts to provide fairer treatment of tenants and to ensure that their rental histories do not unfairly impede their chances of finding new residences.

Summary

Senate Bill 549 aims to amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish limited access to eviction information. The bill introduces provisions that classify certain eviction records as limited access files, meaning that they cannot be disseminated publicly unless specific conditions are met. For instance, such eviction case information can only be shared with parties involved in the eviction, legal representatives, or under special court orders. Moreover, general dissemination of eviction information will be severely restricted to protect tenant privacy.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB 549 appears to be supportive among tenant advocacy groups and those promoting consumer protections. Supporters argue that it is a much-needed reform that prioritizes tenant rights and addresses the significant barriers that past evictions create for individuals and families seeking housing. However, there are concerns from landlords and real estate professionals about the potential for reduced transparency in tenant screening, which they argue could complicate their ability to assess rental applications thoroughly.

Contention

Notable points of contention include debates about the balance between protecting tenant privacy and ensuring that landlords can still make informed decisions regarding prospective tenants. Opponents of the bill argue that limiting access to eviction records may hinder landlord rights while promoting a 'soft approach' toward eviction cases. Meanwhile, proponents contend that the current system fosters discrimination against tenants with previous eviction records, thereby perpetuating cycles of housing instability. The discussions underscore varying perspectives on tenant protections versus landlord interests.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB1137

In dockets, indices and other records, providing for limited access to eviction information.

PA HB1769

In dockets, indices and other records, providing for limited access to eviction information.

PA HB1788

In dockets, indices and other records, further providing for enforcement of foreign judgments.

PA SB936

In dockets, indices and other records, further providing for enforcement of foreign judgments.

PA SB852

In criminal history record information, further providing for definitions, for general regulations, for expungement, for petition for limited access, for clean slate limited access, for exceptions, for effects of expunged records and records subject to limited access and for employer immunity from liability.

PA HB689

In criminal history record information, further providing for definitions, for general regulations, for expungement, for petition for limited access, for clean slate limited access, for exceptions, for effects of expunged records and records subject to limited access and for employer immunity from liability.

PA HB287

In personnel of the system, establishing eviction agent advisory boards in cities of the first class and eviction agent education and training programs in cities of the first class; providing for eviction procedure in cities of the first class; and making an editorial change.

PA HB883

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

PA SB284

In boards and offices, providing for information technology; establishing the Office of Information Technology and the Information Technology Fund; providing for administrative and procurement procedures and for the Joint Cybersecurity Oversight Committee; imposing duties on the Office of Information Technology; providing for administration of Pennsylvania Statewide Radio Network; and imposing penalties.

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.

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