The proposed bill amends Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to create the Reproductive Health Services Address Confidentiality Program, aimed at safeguarding the addresses of individuals participating in reproductive health services who may be at risk of violence. It introduces a new chapter, CHAPTER 58A, detailing the program's scope, definitions, eligibility criteria, application and certification processes, and administration. Key features include the issuance of a confidential substitute address, mail forwarding at no cost, and strict confidentiality regarding participants' actual addresses, with limited disclosure allowed only under specific circumstances such as emergencies or court orders. The bill also establishes penalties for violations and outlines a waiver process for government entities seeking access to participants' actual addresses.

Additionally, the bill provides a framework for state and local government entities to request waivers for access to actual addresses under defined conditions, including a bona fide need and confidentiality procedures. It mandates verification of the requester's identity for emergency disclosures and ensures proper disposal of disclosed addresses. The legislation includes penalties for false information and unauthorized access while granting civil immunity to the department and its agents, except in cases of gross negligence or intentional misconduct. The department is responsible for adopting guidelines and regulations to effectively implement these provisions, thereby enhancing the safety and privacy of individuals utilizing reproductive health services in Pennsylvania.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1994 (Jun 23, 2025):