PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB350

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB350

Introduced
2/26/25  

Caption

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.

Impact

The proposed legislation would create a more structured way for state agencies to determine the fees charged for responding to records requests, enabling them to require certified confirmations from requesters if the intended use of the records is commercial. This change impacts the operational procedures of state agencies in Pennsylvania and aims to prevent misuse of public records for profit. Additionally, it establishes a consistent approach to fee limitations to ensure equitable access to public information, which is critical for fostering trust between government bodies and the public.

Summary

Senate Bill 350 (SB350) seeks to amend the Right-to-Know Law in Pennsylvania by updating definitions and introducing provisions concerning the handling of public records requests, specifically relating to commercial purposes. The bill modifies existing rules around how agencies charge fees for records requests, particularly those intended for commercial use. It is part of a broader effort to enhance transparency and accountability in government operations, ensuring that citizens have access to public information while also providing clarity on costs associated with such requests.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB350 appears to lean toward promoting transparency; however, there are concerns from various stakeholders about the implications of the commercial use definitions. Supporters of the bill argue that clearer guidelines will help both agencies and the public navigate the process of information requests more smoothly. Conversely, critics express worry that the bill could inadvertently restrict access to essential information, particularly for nonprofit organizations and citizens conducting research, due to the added cost associated with commercial use certifications.

Contention

A notable point of contention revolves around the definition of 'commercial purpose' as included in the bill, which some fear may impose additional barriers for individuals and non-profit entities seeking records for research or advocacy, rather than profit-oriented motives. The balance between protecting public records from commercial exploitation while ensuring accessibility remains a key debate among legislators, stakeholders, and advocacy groups. Potential implications of this legislation may reshape how public information is accessed and used across Pennsylvania.

Latest PA SB350 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB350

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

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 HB302

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

PA HB1755

In procedure, further providing for written requests.

PA HB1342

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, 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 HB829

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions;

PA SB1183

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB86

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions.

PA HB982

In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; and, in program, further providing for program established.

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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.