Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB868

Introduced

6/18/25

Refer

6/18/25

Caption

Providing for the preservation of records.

Impact

The proposed legislation is expected to have a significant impact on state laws surrounding record keeping and management for government-owned electronic devices. By prohibiting the installation of applications or technologies designed to hinder record preservation, SB868 reinforces the legal requirements aimed at safeguarding public records. This could enhance public trust in governmental operations by providing assurance that documents and communications, which are vital for accountability, will be preserved properly. Additionally, exceptions regarding law enforcement activities indicate that the bill recognizes specific security needs while still reiterating the necessity for record preservation.

Summary

Senate Bill 868 seeks to amend Title 71 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes by establishing provisions for the preservation of records associated with government-owned electronic devices and networks. The bill addresses the important issue of ensuring that government-owned devices are capable of maintaining records as required by law without interference from software or applications that could obstruct this function. This initiative aims to promote transparency and accountability in government operations by mandating that all electronic devices used in governmental capacities uphold their ability to preserve necessary records.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding SB868 appears to be positive among proponents who value accountability and transparency in government. Supporters may argue that the bill is a crucial step in modern governance, ensuring that public records are effectively managed, especially in an era where technological advancements could threaten such practices. Nonetheless, some concerns may arise regarding how the provisions are to be interpreted and implemented, particularly in relation to the exceptions for law enforcement, which could lead to debates on privacy and data management.

Contention

A notable point of contention within discussions surrounding SB868 will likely focus on the balance between security measures and transparency. While the bill's advocates emphasize the importance of maintaining public records, critics may raise concerns about the practicality of enforcing these provisions, especially in fast-paced technological environments where the nature of electronic devices and software can evolve rapidly. The delineation of what constitutes necessary software for law enforcement presents another area for potential debate, as it may lead to differing interpretations and implications for how government agencies manage their electronic devices.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1952

In professional and occupational licenses, further providing for definitions and providing for a policy for the award of academic credit for military training; and making editorial changes.

PA SB379

Providing for protection of State-owned electronic devices and networks from applications controlled by foreign adversaries.

PA SB563

In computer offenses, providing for the offense of ransomware; and imposing duties on the Office of Administration.

PA HB746

In boards and offices, providing for Office of Information Technology.

PA HB1479

In boards and offices, providing for Office of Information Technology.

PA HB1300

In emergency COVID-19 response, providing for

PA SB1150

In the State System of Higher Education, further providing for definitions and providing for Grow Pennsylvania Merit Scholarship Program; providing for institutions of higher education, for Grow Pennsylvania Scholarship Grant Program and for intercollegiate athletics; in ready-to-succeed scholarship, further providing for agency; and making a repeal.

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 SB565

In preliminary provisions, providing for student data privacy and protection; imposing duties on the Department of Education; and providing for penalties.

PA HB1779

In safe schools, further providing for definitions, for reporting, for policy relating to bullying and for maintenance of records; and, in Safe2Say Program, further providing for intent, for definitions and for Safe2Say Program and providing for reporting and remediating bullying.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.