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PA SB350
PA SB350In preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.
summary
Introduced
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Amending the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), entitled "An act providing for access to public information, for a designated open-records officer in each Commonwealth agency, local agency, judicial agency and legislative agency, for procedure, for appeal of agency determination, for judicial review and for the Office of Open Records; imposing penalties; providing for reporting by State-related institutions; requiring the posting of certain State contract information on the Internet; and making related repeals," in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in procedure, further providing for written requests; and, in judicial review, further providing for fee limitations.
AI Summary
This bill amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify and modify provisions related to public records requests, with a focus on commercial purpose requests. The bill introduces a detailed definition of "commercial purpose," which includes selling or reselling records, obtaining contact information for commercial solicitation, or any use that could reasonably generate revenue, while explicitly excluding nonprofit educational research, scientific research, and news media activities. It modifies the written request procedures by allowing agencies to require requesters to certify whether a request is for a commercial purpose and imposes potential penalties for false statements. For requests with a commercial purpose, the bill permits agencies to charge additional fees calculated at the hourly wage of the lowest-paid employee capable of processing the request, and requires agencies to provide fee estimates upon request. The bill also allows agencies and requesters to enter into alternative fee arrangements, mandates that such arrangements be public, and provides for appeals of fees to the Office of Open Records. These changes aim to provide more clarity and flexibility in handling public records requests, particularly those intended for commercial use, while maintaining transparency and preventing potential misuse of public information.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Referred to State Government (on 02/26/2025)
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