Bill

Bill > HB2463


PA HB2463

Providing for access to public records during disaster declaration.


summary

Introduced
04/29/2020
In Committee
05/25/2020
Crossed Over
05/05/2020
Passed
07/16/2020
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
07/27/2020

Introduced Session

2019-2020 Regular Session

Bill Summary

An Act amending the act of April 9, 1929 (P.L.177, No.175), known as The Administrative Code of 1929, providing for access to public records during disaster declaration.

AI Summary

This bill amends the Administrative Code of 1929 to provide for access to public records during a disaster declaration. It prohibits the Governor from directing Commonwealth agencies to ignore or suspend the process for responding to requests for records during a disaster declaration. The Office of Open Records must publish guidelines for Commonwealth agencies on how to respond to record requests when their physical locations are closed. The bill also requires Commonwealth agencies to reimburse requesters for attorney costs and fees if a court orders the agency to respond to a request. Additionally, certain data and information used by Commonwealth agencies in relation to a disaster declaration are considered public records under the Right-to-Know Law. The provisions of the bill apply retroactively to the COVID-19 disaster declaration issued in March 2020 and any future disaster declarations.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

Sponsors (26)

Last Action

Act No. 77 (on 07/27/2020)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...