This bill amends Title 54 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes regarding the process for changing a person's name. It introduces a new administrative procedure for name changes, allowing individuals to apply directly to the Department of Health instead of solely through court proceedings. The bill specifies that individuals can file an application electronically or in person at designated locations, and outlines the necessary steps for processing these applications, including fingerprinting for those with felony convictions. Additionally, it maintains the option for individuals to pursue a court petition for a name change under existing procedures.

The bill also modifies existing provisions related to name changes for convicted felons, removing the two-year waiting period after completing a sentence and allowing name changes if the individual has completed their sentence and is not under probation or parole. It further clarifies that minors seeking a name change must follow the court petition process if consent from a nonapplying parent is not obtained. The amendments ensure that both court and administrative processes are available for name changes, providing more flexibility and accessibility for individuals in Pennsylvania.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 411 (Mar 17, 2025): 54-701(a), 54-1), 54-4)(ii)(
Printer's No. 0411: 54-701(a), 54-1), 54-4)(ii)(