Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB834

Introduced

3/10/25

Refer

3/10/25

Caption

In procedure, further providing for access.

Impact

The implementation of HB 834 is likely to improve public oversight of government financial activities and allow residents to hold agencies accountable for their expenditures. By ensuring regular updates of financial records, the bill promotes an environment where citizens can easily obtain information about how public money is being spent. Additionally, it empowers the Department of the Auditor General to perform audits to ensure compliance with these new regulations, further reinforcing accountability mechanisms within state agencies.

Summary

House Bill 834 aims to enhance the transparency and accessibility of financial records from government agencies in Pennsylvania. It proposes amendments to the Right-to-Know Law, establishing new requirements for agencies to make financial records publicly available on their websites. Specifically, agencies are mandated to publish records concerning fund disbursements by the last day of each month. This initiative emphasizes the importance of timely access to governmental financial data and strengthens democratic accountability.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 834 appears to be positive, as it addresses public concerns regarding government transparency. Advocates of the bill, including various watchdog organizations and civic groups, support the move towards greater accountability through accessible financial information. However, there could be concerns among certain governmental agencies about the added administrative burden required to comply with these new reporting procedures.

Contention

While there is support for the intent behind HB 834, some opponents may argue that the new requirements could lead to increased operational costs and complexities for government agencies. Critics may voice concerns regarding the feasibility of maintaining updated financial records on a strict timeline, which could strain resources. The balance between enhancing transparency and managing administrative responsibilities is likely to be a point of discussion as the bill progresses.

Latest PA HB834 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB834

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB974

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB1342

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

PA HB1902

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB1755

In procedure, further providing for written requests.

PA HB302

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

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 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 SB634

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

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 HB80

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.