The proposed bill amends Title 54 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to establish the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Program, which aims to provide financial support for nonprofit organizations and local governments that assist individuals facing biases in the name change process due to gender or sexual stereotypes. The bill introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 7A, which outlines definitions, the establishment of the Compassionate Name Change Assistance Grant Fund, and the powers and duties of the Department of Community and Economic Development in administering the program. The fund will be supported by a $2,000,000 appropriation from the General Fund, with strict guidelines on the use of funds and administrative costs.

Under the grant program, eligible applicants can apply for grants ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $100,000, depending on their location and the nature of their assistance programs. The Department will review applications on a rolling basis and is required to evaluate the effectiveness of the funded programs every three years. The bill emphasizes the importance of including individuals who identify as transgender or nonbinary in the administration of these programs, ensuring that the assistance provided is relevant and effective for those navigating the name change process.