Bill > SB549

This bill provides a comprehensive framework for limiting public access to eviction case records in Pennsylvania, with the goal of protecting tenants from long-term negative consequences of past eviction proceedings. The legislation establishes that eviction case information will have limited access, meaning it cannot be widely disseminated or published online, with some specific exceptions. Generally, an eviction file can only be shared if there is a final court disposition in favor of the landlord and the case is less than seven years old. Exceptions to this rule allow access to the parties involved in the case, their attorneys, current occupants of the property, researchers from nonprofit or educational institutions, and others who obtain a court order or have mutual agreement from the case parties. The bill requires courts to automatically place eviction information under limited access after seven years, if a judgment is vacated or satisfied, or if a default judgment is set aside. Additionally, the legislation prohibits consumer reporting agencies and tenant screening services from disclosing or using limited access eviction information in their reports, with potential penalties including financial damages and attorney fees for violations. Tenants who believe their rights under this law have been violated can bring a private legal action. The law will take effect 180 days after its passage, giving courts and agencies time to implement the new requirements.

Justice

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=549