Bill > HB1907

This bill amends the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law to make several modifications to public record access and exceptions. First, it expands the circumstances under which an agency can deny access to historical, ancient, or rare documents by allowing curators to protect records that might be physically damaged, specifically including records in the State Archives. Second, the bill modifies exceptions to public records by clarifying language around library, archive, and museum materials, particularly those donated with specific limitations, and adds a new provision protecting digital reproductions and metadata created by third parties unless they expressly agree in writing to their release. Third, the bill adjusts fee limitations for document duplication, requiring fees to be reasonable and based on prevailing rates for comparable duplication services, with specific consideration for contemporary media and historical or rare document reproduction. These changes aim to provide more nuanced protections for unique and fragile documents while maintaining transparency in public record access. The bill will take effect 60 days after its enactment.

Government Affairs

https://www.palegis.us/legislation/bills/2025/hb1907