Bill > SB510

This bill establishes the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to provide financial support for nonprofit organizations and local governments that offer assistance to individuals navigating name changes, particularly those facing challenges related to gender identity or sexual stereotypes. The program will create a dedicated fund with an initial $2,000,000 transfer from the General Fund, and will offer grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000 to eligible applicants. To receive funding, organizations must demonstrate involvement of at least one transgender or nonbinary resident with specialized experience in name change assistance. Grant recipients can use funds to administer support programs that provide informational, emotional, social, and legal guidance through the name change process. The department will manage the program by accepting rolling applications, reviewing them within 30 days, and conducting evaluative assessments every three years to analyze the program's effectiveness. Importantly, no more than 1% of the fund can be used for administrative costs, ensuring that the majority of resources directly support name change assistance programs. The bill aims to provide compassionate support and reduce barriers for individuals seeking to legally change their names.

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https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=510