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Bill

HB 1314

An Act amending Title 54 (Names) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, establishing the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Program and the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund; and making an interfund transfer.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Johanny Cepeda-Freytiz and 14 co-sponsors

Pennsylvania bill creates a grant program to help low-income residents afford legal name change fees and court costs, removing financial barriers to accessing this legal process.

Referred to Judiciary
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 1314

Legislative bill overview

HB 1314 creates a new grant program in Pennsylvania to provide financial assistance for individuals seeking legal name changes. The bill establishes both a dedicated assistance grant program and a corresponding fund to support eligible applicants, and includes an interfund transfer mechanism to provide initial funding for the initiative.

Why is this important

Name change petitions can impose significant financial barriers for low-income individuals who need them for reasons including domestic violence escape, gender identity alignment, cultural preference, or professional circumstances. By removing cost obstacles, this bill would expand access to legal name changes for populations that might otherwise be unable to afford court fees and associated legal costs.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding mechanism and sustainability: Questions about the interfund transfer source, whether it's sufficient to meet demand, and how the program will sustain itself long-term without clear revenue projections or eligibility caps.
  • Eligibility criteria not specified: The bill text does not detail who qualifies for assistance, maximum income thresholds, or how applications will be processed and approved, leaving implementation details to future regulation.
  • Administrative burden and oversight: Concerns about which agency will administer the program, staffing requirements, fraud prevention measures, and whether processing delays could undermine the program's compassionate intent.

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

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