Bill > SB521

This bill amends Pennsylvania's judicial name change procedures to provide additional protections and flexibility for individuals seeking to change their names. The bill modifies existing law to add two new scenarios where court-ordered notice can be waived: first, when providing notice would jeopardize the safety of the person seeking a name change or their child, and second, specifically for name changes related to gender identity. In both of these cases, the court will automatically seal the file, and court records of the name change petition will have no public access. The bill maintains the existing requirement that name change petitions must include detailed personal information such as current and past residences and reasons for the name change. It also preserves the existing hearing process where individuals can object to a name change, and requires the petitioner to provide proof of publication and clear documentation showing no outstanding legal judgments against them. The changes are designed to protect individuals, particularly those potentially facing safety risks or seeking to align their legal name with their gender identity, while maintaining a structured legal process for name changes. The bill will apply to petitions filed after its effective date, which will be 60 days after enactment.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=521