SB 1136 | Release of vital statistics information

Session: 2021-2022

ACLU-PA Position: Opposes

SB 1136 would amend PA's Vital Statistics Law to require the Department of Health (DOH) to turn over information or data from vital statistics records to legislative service agencies upon request.

SB 1136 does not protect the confidentiality of this information if released to one of these agencies, nor does it prohibit its release by those agencies to other entities. Without discretion to withhold vital statistics data, DOH could be required to release records to a government agency that is or has been unable to protect this data.

By replacing discretion with a mandate to disclose, SB 1136 creates a dangerous security threat to our vital statistics information. It will not only upset the balance between protecting Pennsylvanians’ personal data privacy and the research interests of government agencies, it will eliminate it entirely.

Check the bill's status here.