HB 974 Pennsylvania House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

An Act amending the act of February 14, 2008 (P.L.6, No.3), known as the Right-to-Know Law, in procedure, further providing for written requests.

HB 974 amends Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law to clarify how agencies assess the specificity of written public records requests. It requires agencies to consider three factors when determining if a request is specific enough: the burden on the agency to locate records within time limits, potential privacy or proprietary harm to third parties, and compliance with federal or state disclosure laws. This change directly affects agencies handling public records requests and requesters seeking information under the law. The bill does not alter who can request records or basic submission methods, but refines the process for evaluating request clarity. The amendment takes effect 60 days after enactment.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Mar 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Mar 19, 2025 Last action Mar 19, 2025