Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB987

Introduced
9/4/25  

Caption

In rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

Impact

If enacted, SB987 would amend existing statutes related to subpoenas and the evidentiary process. This amendment is likely to affect both civil and criminal proceedings, potentially making it easier for parties to obtain necessary documentation during trials. By establishing clearer guidelines, the bill could help reduce ambiguities that currently exist around obtaining records, which, in turn, may lead to a more effective judicial process. This is expected to streamline legal proceedings, ensuring that all parties have equitable access to essential records and evidence.

Summary

SB987 focuses on the rules of evidence, specifically articulating provisions regarding the issuance of subpoenas for records. The bill aims to clarify and streamline the process by which records can be accessed, thereby enhancing transparency within legal proceedings. This legislative proposal, while seemingly technical, holds significant implications for legal practices, particularly in how evidentiary records are prepared and presented in court. The changes outlined in the bill are designed to adapt to contemporary needs for efficiency and clarity in legal processes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB987 appears to be cautiously optimistic among legal professionals. Many stakeholders in the legal community have expressed support for the bill, viewing it as a necessary modernization of evidentiary practices. However, there are also voices of concern regarding the potential for increased bureaucratic overhead or unintended consequences that could arise from the new provisions. Overall, the general tone has been one of support, though with a recognition of the complexities involved.

Contention

Despite the overall support for SB987, notable points of contention remain. Critics argue that the bill could inadvertently restrict access to important records under certain circumstances if not implemented carefully. There are concerns that specific provisions may not adequately account for the need to protect sensitive information. The debate continues about the balance between enhancing transparency and safeguarding privacy, revealing a deep divide in perspectives on how best to structure such legal frameworks.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB2198

In rules of evidence, further providing for subpoena of records.

PA HB1784

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

PA SB939

In rules of evidence, providing for protection of reproductive health services records.

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 SB994

In general administration, further providing for State recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; in county correctional institutions, further providing for county recording system for application of restraints to pregnant prisoners or detainees; and, in miscellaneous provisions, further providing for healthy birth for incarcerated women.

PA HB1786

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

PA SB935

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

PA HB2446

In bases of jurisdiction and interstate and international procedure, further providing for assistance to tribunals and litigants outside this Commonwealth with respect to service and for issuance of subpoena; in commencement of proceedings, further providing for authority of officers of another state to arrest in this Commonwealth; and, in detainers and extradition, further providing for definitions, for duty of Governor with respect to fugitives from justice and for presigned waiver of extradition.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.