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PA HB845
Bill
Status
3/10/2025
Primary Sponsor
Joseph Webster
Click for details
AI Summary
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Creates a new administrative name change process through the Pennsylvania Department of Health as an alternative to the existing court petition process, with applications available online or at PennDOT driver license centers
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All administrative name change applications and related records are sealed from public access and exempt from Right-to-Know Law requests, though applicants may request their files be opened
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Conferences on administrative applications must be scheduled between 1-3 months after filing, with certified mail notice required to non-applying parents when minors are involved
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Removes the previous prohibition on name changes for individuals convicted of certain violent crimes (murder, rape, kidnapping, etc.), now allowing any convicted felon to petition for a name change after completing their sentence and parole/probation
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Eliminates the previous 2-year waiting period after sentence completion for convicted felons seeking name changes, requiring only that the sentence be completed and the person no longer under court or parole supervision
Legislative Description
In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name and for change by order of court, providing for change by administrative application and further providing for effect on children.
Last Action
Referred to Judiciary
3/10/2025