|
|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
|
State Rep. Joseph F. Brennan D-Lehigh/Northampton |
|
Brennan votes for open records legislation
HARRISBURG, Dec. 12 – State Rep. Joseph F. Brennan, D-Lehigh/Northampton, said today the Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed historic legislation that would improve Pennsylvania’s Open Records Law.
Brennan said he supported a comprehensive amendment added by the House to Senate legislation (S.B. 1) that would presume that the records of all branches of state and local government in Pennsylvania are subject to public scrutiny, unless they fall within a limited number of exceptions or are protected by other federal or state laws.
“By including the legislature in the open records legislation, we’re delivering the transparency taxpayers have demanded and deserve, “Brennan said. “I am proud to be part of this historic legislation.”
Brennan said that the House measure would also create a Public Records Office within the state Ethics Commission to help Pennsylvania residents access public records at the state and local level and to resolve appeals from residents when they are denied access to records.
The open records legislation must now return to the Senate for agreement before it goes to the governor for his signature.
###gap/2007/agh
l:\print\releases\recordsopen1.33
|
CONTACT: Gabrielle A. Prutisto |