Bill > HB1644

This bill establishes the Reproductive Health Services Address Confidentiality Program within the Pennsylvania Department of Health, designed to protect individuals who receive or provide reproductive health services from potential violence or harassment. The program allows eligible participants, including reproductive health service providers and patients who fear future violent acts, to obtain a confidential substitute address (a post office box) that can be used for official communications. Participants must apply through the Department of Health, providing detailed information about their situation and agreeing to ongoing participation requirements. The program provides several key protections: the department will forward first-class mail to participants, government entities must generally accept the substitute address, and the actual address of participants remains confidential except in limited circumstances such as emergency situations or with specific waivers. The bill includes strict penalties for those who fraudulently attempt to access a participant's actual address, with potential criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies depending on the circumstances. The program is valid for three-year certification periods, during which participants must promptly notify the department of any changes in their information, and the department maintains strict confidentiality of all program records. The goal is to provide a systematic way for individuals involved with reproductive health services to protect their personal safety and location information.

Government Affairs

https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/billinfo/bill_history.cfm?syear=2025&sind=0&body=H&type=B&bn=1644