PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB574

Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB574

Introduced
4/17/23  

Caption

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court.

Impact

The implementation of SB574 would have significant implications for state laws concerning the judiciary and personal identity. By mandating court approval for name changes, the bill seeks to amend existing regulations that may currently allow for more lenient procedures. This change could streamline the process but also leave room for added scrutiny of individuals seeking such changes, potentially impacting various demographic groups needing to alter their identity due to marriage, divorce, personal safety, or gender transition reasons.

Summary

Senate Bill 574 focuses on judicial procedures surrounding the change of a person's name. The bill aims to establish stricter requirements for individuals wishing to change their names legally, stipulating that formal court approval is necessary for such changes. This legislative move is designed to create a standardized process for name change requests, which proponents believe will enhance legal clarity and accountability in identity documentation. The bill reflects an increasing concern for the integrity and consistency of official records related to personal identification.

Sentiment

Discussion surrounding SB574 has presented a mix of support and opposition. Advocates argue that increased oversight in name changes could protect against fraud and ensure that individuals are not using new names to evade legal responsibilities. Critics, however, express concerns that the requirements could create barriers for individuals who need to change their names for legitimate reasons and could disproportionately affect vulnerable populations seeking to assert their identity legally.

Contention

Notable points of contention around the bill include the balance between protecting the integrity of judicial processes and ensuring accessibility for individuals in need of name changes. Opponents argue that the additional judicial hurdles may complicate the process unnecessarily, while supporters maintain it is a necessary safeguard. The discussions emphasize the broader implications of personal identity laws and how they reflect societal values on legal names, identity, and the right to self-identification.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB530

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA HB1817

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA SB448

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA HB845

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.

PA HB610

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA HB1315

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA SB528

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA SB521

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA HB2170

In assault, further providing for assault of law enforcement officer; and making editorial changes.

PA HB1187

In authorized disposition of offenders, further providing for Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition prohibited; in criminal homicide, further providing for the offense of murder; in assault, further providing for the offense of stalking and for the offense of unauthorized administration of intoxicant; in sexual offenses, further providing for definitions and for the offense of rape, repealing provisions relating to the offense of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse and further providing for the offense of sexual assault, for the offense of institutional sexual assault, for the offense of sexual assault by sports official, volunteer or employee of nonprofit association, for the offense of aggravated indecent assault and for general rule relating to loss of property rights; in wiretapping and electronic surveillance, further providing for definitions and for order authorizing interception of wire, electronic or oral communications; in public indecency, further providing for the offense of prostitution and related offenses; in firearms and other dangerous articles, further providing for persons not to possess, use, manufacture, control, sell or transfer firearms; in minors, further providing for transmission of sexually explicit images by minor; in criminal history record information, further providing for expungement and for juvenile records; in child custody, further providing for consideration of criminal conviction; in protection from abuse, further providing for definitions; in child protective services, further providing for definitions, for exclusions from child abuse and for employees having contact with children and adoptive and foster parents; in domestic and sexual violence victim address confidentiality, further providing for penalties; in limitation of time, further providing for infancy, insanity or imprisonment, for no limitation applicable and for other offenses; in depositions and witnesses, further providing for spouses as witnesses against each other and for hearsay; in juvenile matters, further providing for definitions, for inspection of court files and records, for law enforcement records, for conduct of hearings, for transfer to criminal proceedings and for assessment of delinquent children by the State Sexual Offenders Assessment Board; in court-ordered involuntary treatment of certain sexually violent persons, further providing for definitions and for court-ordered involuntary treatment; in sentencing, further providing for sentences for second or subsequent offenses, for sentences for offenses against elderly persons, for sentences for offenses against infant persons, for sentences for offenses committed while impersonating a law enforcement officer, for sentencing for trafficking of persons, for definitions, for sexual offenses and tier system, for termination of period of registration for juvenile offenders, for assessments, for registration and for assessments; in judicial change of name, further providing for change by order of court; in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for parole procedure; and, in interstate compacts, further providing for supervision of persons paroled by other states.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.