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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2013 - 2014
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | February 6, 2013 04:09 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Joseph T. Hackett |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Prohibition Against Release of 9-1-1 Info (Former HB 1174) |
| In the near future, I am planning to reintroduce former House Bill 1174 that will amend Title 35 (Health and Safety) to protect the rights of individuals who make 9-1-1 emergency calls. Recently, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania, in the case of County of York v. Pennsylvania Open Records and Ted Czech, held that the Right-to-Know Law required the County of York to release destination addresses or cross-street information with its 9-1-1 time response logs. I think most would agree that it was never the intent of the Open Records Act of 2008 to provide the public with any information that could reveal the identity of 9-1-1 callers. My legislation will clarify to the courts and to the public, that information revealing the identity of a 9-1-1 caller is not a record to be included under the Open Records Law. This measure would prohibit the release of identifying information relating to individuals calling a 9-1-1 center unless a court determines that the public interest in disclosure outweighs the interest in nondisclosure. Specifically, the bill would prohibit the release of a caller’s name, telephone number, address and location. I believe this legislation is needed to ensure the safety and privacy of individuals who call 9-1-1 for emergency services. The information recorded during 9-1-1 calls can often contain very sensitive details that, if released to the public, could pose a grave danger to callers and victims. In addition, it will ensure that people who report crimes and witnesses are afforded protection and are able to remain anonymous. Please contact Amy Barr in my office at abarr@pahousegop.com if you have any questions. |
Introduced as HB1041