PA
Pennsylvania House Bill HB974

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB974

Introduced
3/19/25  

Caption

In procedure, further providing for written requests.

Impact

If passed, HB 974 will have a significant effect on the administration of public record requests across various government agencies in Pennsylvania. By modernizing the request process, the bill is intended to reduce bureaucratic challenges that citizens face when seeking information, potentially increasing the volume of records requests and improving overall public engagement with government operations. Additionally, the bill ensures that agencies must direct requests to designated open-records officers, which can facilitate more organized handling of such requests.

Summary

House Bill 974 seeks to amend the existing Right-to-Know Law of Pennsylvania, specifically addressing the process for written requests regarding access to public information. The proposed changes enhance how citizens can submit their requests, allowing for more modern methods of communication such as electronic submissions, thus aiming to streamline the process for acquiring public records. This bill emphasizes increasing accessibility and transparency in government operations, which aligns with broader efforts to ensure public accountability.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB 974 appears generally positive among proponents who advocate for increased government transparency and accountability. Supporters appreciate the enhancements to the process that will likely encourage more citizens to seek out public records. However, alongside this optimism, there may also be concerns about the burden this places on government agencies to comply effectively with a potential increase in requests, which some see as a logistical challenge that could need additional resources.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding the bill may revolve around the balance between transparency and the capacity of agencies to respond efficiently. While proponents push for a more open government, skeptics are likely to highlight the potential for overwhelming public agencies with records requests. The bill may spark debates regarding privacy concerns and appropriate limits on access to certain sensitive information. Ultimately, the thoughtful implementation of HB 974 will be crucial to address both the desire for transparency and the operational realities of government agencies.

Latest PA HB974 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session HB974

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1755

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 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 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.

PA HB1146

In Commonwealth budget procedures, further providing for lapsing of funds.

PA HB1902

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.