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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT:
Nicole Reigelman |
State Rep. Elisabeth “Lisa”
Bennington |
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Bennington reform measure clears House
Bill would put all Pa. laws online for free; major step for open and transparent government
HARRISBURG, June 27 – A measure introduced by state Rep. Lisa Bennington, D-Allegheny, which would require the posting of Pennsylvania laws online, has passed the House of Representatives and now moves to the Senate for consideration.
Bennington’s legislation (H.B. 976) would place all of Pennsylvania’s consolidated and unconsolidated statutes online to be accessed by residents free of charge. Pennsylvania is the only state that does not provide free online access to its laws.
“Posting statutes online is a fundamental part of reform,” Bennington said. “Clearing the path of obstacles for the public to explore and examine our state’s laws should be at the foundation of the movement. I’m glad my House colleagues saw the importance of this bill and voted in support of it.”
Bennington, a family law attorney, said many of her colleagues and clients have wanted access to state laws, but became disillusioned when they were required to pay for costly subscriptions to view the statutes or purchase an entire set at a hefty price.
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