PA
Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB458

Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB458

Introduced
3/17/25  

Caption

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

Impact

If SB458 is enacted, it will have a direct influence on how public agencies maintain and disclose their internal documents. By delineating the exceptions under which agencies are not required to release certain categories of documents, the bill could lead to a reduced volume of accessible records for public scrutiny. Supporters argue this will protect sensitive information while critics may see it as a limitation on the public's right to know, potentially leading to a decrease in governmental accountability.

Summary

Senate Bill 458 aims to amend the existing Right-to-Know Law in Pennsylvania, focusing on refining the exceptions related to public records. The bill seeks to expand clarity regarding the notes and working papers prepared by public officials or agency employees, specifically emphasizing that documents created for personal use or to accommodate an individual's disability, like transcriptions or braille translations, are exempt from public access. This modification is intended to strengthen privacy protections while balancing transparency in governmental proceedings.

Sentiment

Sentiment surrounding SB458 is mixed among lawmakers and advocacy groups. Proponents assert that the bill enhances the practical application of the Right-to-Know Law by clarifying what constitutes a private document. They argue it provides necessary safeguards that protect individuals with disabilities and the operational integrity of public officials. Conversely, opponents express concern that such amendments could create barriers to accessing vital information, undermining the foundational principle of government transparency and the public's right to be informed.

Contention

The primary points of contention around SB458 revolve around its balance between protecting individual privacy and ensuring governmental accountability. Debates center on specific language in the bill that critics argue might lead to broader interpretations of what can be withheld from public view. This raises concerns that the bill may inadvertently shield inappropriate conduct by officials from public scrutiny, prompting calls for further discussion regarding how to safeguard both transparency and privacy effectively.

Latest PA SB458 Activity

View All Events: PA 2025-2026 Regular Session SB458

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB974

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA SB634

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB80

In procedure, further providing for exceptions for public records.

PA HB1902

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 HB1342

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

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 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.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.