Open Records Law reform heads to Governor

Senate approves gun owner protection, mine safety measures

The State Senate approved legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law, uphold the rights of law abiding citizens and update the Commonwealth’s mining law during the week of February 11^th, according to Senator Bob Regola (R-39).

The Senate and House of Representatives this week worked out a final agreement on the language of Senate Bill 1.  With the Senate’s unanimous approval on Tuesday, the bill now goes to the Governor’s desk for his signature.

“I am pleased that this bill is finally headed to the Governor for enactment,” said Sen. Regola, a cosponsor of the legislation. “The phrase ‘right to know’ must have real meaning in the way the law is written and the way it is carried out by the state and local governments.”

SB 1 makes a key change in the current law by adding a “presumption” that all state and local records are public unless they fall under a specific exception established in the law.  The exceptions allow certain records to remain private, such as Social Security numbers, medical records, records that would threaten domestic security, and police investigative records.

Working to uphold and protect the rights of law-abiding citizens, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1172 on Tuesday, legislation co-sponsored by Senator Regola that would prohibit government officials from seizing firearms from individuals -- who are legally permitted to possess them -- during emergencies or natural disasters. 

With the unanimous approval of Senate Bill 949 on Monday, the Senate advanced the first comprehensive rewrite of Pennsylvania’s mine safety laws since 1961.  The bill, cosponsored by Senator Regola, was spawned by the “Nine for Nine” miracle at the Quecreek Mine in July 2002.  It would create a new Board of Coal Mine Safety to keep Pennsylvania’s mine safety standards regularly updated.  It would also require operators to ensure safety, and enable the state to establish a central database of maps of mines throughout the Commonwealth.  

Pennsylvania is the nation’s fourth-largest coal producer and has the third most bituminous mines (about 200) in the country.  Since 1961, there have been 528 mining-related fatalities in Pennsylvania.  

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Contact:  Nathan Silcox (717) 787-6063