HB 2463 | Right to Know Law during disaster declarations

Session: 2019-2020

ACLU-PA Position: Supports

HB 2463 (PN 3699) would ensure that the Right to Know Law remains in effect during disaster declarations by creating a new section under the Pennsylvania Administrative Code (P.L. 177, No. 175) – “Access to Public Records During Disaster Declaration.” This section would require that commonwealth agencies continue to follow procedures established by the Office of Open Records even if they are otherwise closed due to a disaster declaration. If that agency fails to follow the policies established by the Office of Open Records, a requester may petition the Commonwealth Court to compel a response.

House Bill 2463 was enacted as Act No. 77 of 2020.