PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB1755

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1755

Introduced
10/16/23  

Caption

In procedure, further providing for written requests.

Impact

The potential impact of HB 1755 on state laws is significant as it modifies existing protocols under the Right-to-Know Law. By establishing clearer guidelines for the specificity needed in requests for information, the bill attempts to streamline the process for both requesters and agencies. This could lead to expedited responses and a decrease in the administrative burden on state agencies, enhancing the overall transparency and efficiency of governmental operations regarding public records.

Summary

House Bill 1755 aims to amend the Right-to-Know Law in Pennsylvania by refining the processes surrounding written requests for access to public information. Specifically, it seeks to clarify the requirements for submitting requests, emphasizing the need for sufficient specificity to ensure that agencies can identify the records being sought. The bill outlines that requests can be made through various means, including electronic methods, which aligns with contemporary practices in information dissemination and enhances accessibility for the public.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1755 appears to be generally positive among its proponents, who view it as a necessary update to improve public access to government information. Advocates argue that the bill supports transparency and accountability, aligning with the principles of open government. However, some concerns may be raised regarding the implications of the specificity requirement on individuals or organizations seeking information, particularly if they are not knowledgeable about the exact records they need.

Contention

Despite the positive reception, there may be points of contention related to how the specificity requirement might impact access to information. Critics may argue that while the bill aims to improve efficiency, it could inadvertently create barriers for ordinary citizens who lack the resources to formulate detailed requests. Additionally, the definition of 'sufficient specificity' could become a source of interpretation, leading to potential disputes over access to public records.

Latest PA HB1755 Activity

View All Events: PA 2023-2024 Regular Session HB1755

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB974

In procedure, further providing for written requests.

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 SB350

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

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 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 HB1342

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

PA HB974

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB834

In procedure, further providing for access.

PA HB302

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

PA HB80

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.