Pennsylvania House Bill HB1095

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/25
• Refer: 3/31/25
• Refer: 6/17/25
• Report Pass: 6/23/25
• Engrossed: 6/23/25
• Refer: 6/24/25

Caption

In dockets, indices and other records, providing for limited access to eviction information; and requiring the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts to process records.

Impact

If enacted, HB 1095 would significantly reshape how eviction cases are managed in Pennsylvania courts by restricting access to eviction records after a specified duration, typically seven years from the filing date. This means that eviction records that currently exist as public domain information would be limited, potentially preventing stigma or discrimination against tenants who have had previous eviction proceedings. Additionally, this change would require that eviction information only be disclosed under certain conditions, creating procedural guidelines for courts and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts in handling such records.

Summary

House Bill 1095 is designed to amend the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on procedures related to evictions. This bill introduces a framework for 'limited access' to eviction information, allowing certain eviction case files to be protected from public disclosure. The core intent is to safeguard the privacy of individuals involved in eviction cases while still making provisions for relevant parties, such as tenants and their attorneys, to access necessary documents for legal proceedings. The bill underscores the sensitive nature of eviction records and aims to balance transparency with the need for confidentiality in tenant-landlord disputes.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 1095 appears to lean toward enhancing tenant rights and privacy protections, with supporters framing it as a necessary reform to protect vulnerable populations from the adverse effects of public eviction records. Conversely, there are voices of concern regarding the potential implications for landlords and property owners, who might feel that restricted access could hinder their ability to make informed decisions about tenants in prospective rental agreements. This divide tends to echo broader societal debates about housing stability and tenant security versus landlord rights.

Contention

Debate surrounding HB 1095 is likely to evoke various points of contention. Critics may argue that while limiting access to eviction records protects tenant privacy, it could also lead to challenges for landlords seeking to assess the rental history of potential tenants. Key discussions may revolve around the adequacy of the proposed exceptions for access to eviction information and whether the requirements for judicial intervention are reasonable. Furthermore, concerns about the feasibility of the law's implementation, especially regarding record-keeping by the court system and the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, are expected to be major discussion points during legislative hearings.