Pennsylvania House Bill HB1717

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 7/10/25
• Refer: 7/10/25

Caption

In miscellaneous provisions relating to emergency management services, providing for exemption of records from access.

Impact

The impact of HB 1717 is likely to be significant for volunteer emergency service organizations, ensuring that they can operate without the concerns of public records requests that could compromise their privacy and operational integrity. However, it limits transparency, which may raise concerns among the general public and accountability advocates regarding how volunteer organizations conduct their operations and manage public resources.

Summary

House Bill 1717 aims to amend Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by providing exemptions for certain records associated with volunteer emergency management services. The bill specifically targets records belonging to volunteer EMS companies, fire companies, rescue companies, and volunteer firefighters' relief associations, proposing that these records be exempt from the provisions of the Right-to-Know Law. This legislative move is intended to protect sensitive information related to the operations of these voluntary organizations while still allowing for some transparency in case of contractual relationships with Commonwealth or local agencies.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1717 appears to be mixed. Advocates for the bill highlight the necessity of protecting sensitive operational data of volunteer organizations, arguing that this is essential for their continued effectiveness and recruitment. Conversely, opponents may view this as an attempt to diminish public oversight and transparency, potentially leading to a disconnect between volunteer services and the communities they serve.

Contention

Notable points of contention regarding HB 1717 include the balance between protecting the operational privacy of vital volunteer services and maintaining public accountability. Critics argue that while volunteers should be supported, there is a risk of a lack of oversight if they are shielded from public records laws. This debate underscores the ongoing discussion about transparency versus confidentiality within public service sectors and how legislative measures can impact both.