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Bill

SB 869

An Act amending the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law, in preliminary provisions, further providing for definitions; in access, further providing for open-records officer and for retention of records; and, in judicial review, further providing for civil penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jarrett Coleman and 1 co-sponsor

SB 869 modifies Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to update record definitions, expand open-records officer duties, adjust retention standards, and alter civil penalties for non-compliance.

Referred to State Government
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 869

Legislative bill overview

SB 869 modifies Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law by updating definitions in preliminary provisions, expanding provisions for open-records officers and records retention requirements, and adjusting civil penalties in judicial review proceedings. The bill refines how government agencies must handle public records requests and their obligations to maintain accessible information.

Why is this important

The Right-to-Know Law is Pennsylvania's primary mechanism for government transparency and public accountability. Changes to this law directly affect citizens' ability to access government documents, hold officials responsible, and participate in informed democratic processes. Modifications to penalties and retention rules can either strengthen or weaken enforcement effectiveness.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of definitional changes: Without bill text, unclear whether new definitions expand or narrow what constitutes "public records," potentially affecting access breadth
  • Records retention requirements: Stricter retention mandates could increase costs for agencies; weaker ones could limit public access to historical documents
  • Civil penalty adjustments: Changes to penalty amounts may incentivize or reduce agency compliance with transparency obligations—higher penalties encourage compliance, lower ones may weaken enforcement

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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