Bill > SB869

This bill amends the Right-to-Know Law to enhance record-keeping and transparency requirements for government agencies. The bill expands the definition of "record" to include communications sent by a public official to less than a quorum of a governing body. It mandates that agencies register their open-records officer with the Office of Open Records within 30 days of designation and requires these officers to complete a training course within 30 days of appointment, with subsequent annual training. The bill also establishes new record retention requirements, compelling agencies to keep electronic records for at least two years, with exceptions for spam and non-substantive communications. Additionally, when an employee leaves an agency, they must confirm that all agency records, including those on personal devices, have been provided to the agency. The bill introduces a significant penalty provision, allowing courts to impose a civil penalty of up to $1,500 and award attorney fees if an agency or its members fail to retain records willfully or in bad faith. Notably, the agency cannot reimburse employees for fines resulting from record retention violations. The legislation aims to improve government accountability and ensure proper documentation of agency activities, with the changes taking effect 60 days after enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=S&type=B&bn=869