Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB595

Introduced
3/21/23  

Caption

Providing for legislators.

Impact

By establishing these requirements, HB 595 seeks to enhance the efficiency of the legislative process and improve constituent engagement. The mandated sharing of information can facilitate a better understanding of the needs and concerns of the community, which is particularly beneficial for newly elected members who may lack familiarity with their constituents. Furthermore, this bill supports enhanced collaboration and continuity in legislative efforts, thereby promoting effective governance and building stronger relationships between incoming legislators and their communities.

Summary

House Bill 595 addresses the transition of information between outgoing legislators and their successors in the Pennsylvania General Assembly. Specifically, the bill amends Title 65 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to include provisions that mandate outgoing legislators to share key information with incoming members-elect. This initiative aims to ensure a smooth transition of representative duties and maintain continuity in serving their constituents. The information to be shared includes constituent contact details, lists of community organizations, and records of assistance provided to constituents.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 595 appears to be generally positive, with most legislators recognizing the importance of continuity and effective communication in public service. This sentiment is likely rooted in a shared understanding of the challenges that new legislators face as they take office. Some parties may express concerns about the practicality of implementation, particularly regarding privacy and the management of constituent information, but the overall sentiment is one of support for the objectives of the bill.

Contention

While HB 595 seems to have broad support, there may still be points of contention regarding data privacy and the extent of information required to be shared. Some stakeholders might raise concerns about the confidentiality of constituent information and how it is handled, especially in the context of modern privacy regulations. Balancing the need for transparency and accountability against the protection of individual privacy rights will be critical as the bill moves forward.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB707

In preliminary provisions, providing for the Environmental Justice Advisory Board.

PA HB1838

Providing for Commonwealth Economic Development Action Team.

PA SB140

In metropolitan transportation authorities, providing for special prosecutor for mass transit.

PA HB746

In Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, further providing for organization of commission; and, in Pennsylvania Game Commission, further providing for organization of commission.

PA HB715

Providing for departmental powers and duties as to small personal care homes; and imposing penalties.

PA HB1473

Providing for legislative and congressional redistricting and for proceedings of the Legislative Reapportionment Commission.

PA HB2012

Providing for cause of action for antitrust conduct, for indirect purchaser recovery under State antitrust laws and for premerger notice of health care mergers and transactions; and imposing penalties.

PA HB484

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, providing for gift ban and for gift ban exceptions and further providing for statement of financial interests.

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 HB1648

Providing for right-to-know; making repeals; and making editorial changes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.