Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB610

Introduced
3/21/23  

Caption

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

Impact

The bill stipulates that individuals must file a petition in their county's court, providing adequate reason for their requested name change. The hearing for this petition would need to occur within a designated timeframe after the petition is filed, ensuring legal due process. A significant addition under this bill is the provision that if a name change affects a child, notice must be served to any nonpetitioning parent involved, thus promoting responsible parental communication in legal matters surrounding name changes.

Summary

House Bill 610 seeks to amend Title 54 (Names) of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes concerning the judicial process for changing one's name. The primary focus of the bill is to refine the court approval procedure, specifically detailing the submission of petitions for name changes by individuals. Notably, if the name change pertains to aligning with an individual's gender identity, the bill proposes to waive notice requirements to protect privacy, thereby reflecting a sensitivity to the safety and personal circumstances of applicants.

Sentiment

Overall sentiment around HB 610 indicates support for its intention to streamline the name change process and enhance privacy protections, particularly for transgender individuals. Advocacy for this bill comes from various groups highlighting the importance of legal recognition of an individual's identity and the dignified treatment of personal choices regarding names.

Contention

While many support the bill for its progressive approach, some contention exists concerning the implications of waiving notice for name changes associated with gender identity. Critics may argue that this could opaquely bypass potential objections from family members affected by the name change. Nonetheless, proponents counter that the safety and personal dignity of individuals seeking such changes are paramount and necessitate robust privacy measures.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HB1315

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA SB521

In judicial change of name, further providing for court approval required for change of name.

PA SB448

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.

PA HB845

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.

PA HB458

In post-trial matters, further providing for eligibility for relief, providing for postconviction review for veterans with service-connected mental health disability and further providing for jurisdiction and proceedings; and, in sentencing, further providing for sentencing procedure for murder of the first degree.

PA HB545

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

PA HB785

In voter registration, further providing for methods of voter registration, providing for electronic voter registration and further providing for preparation and distribution of applications and for approval of registration applications; in records, further providing for general register, for district registers and for reports; in changes in records, further providing for removal notices and for change of enrollment of political party; and, in penalties, further providing for altering registration.

PA SB437

Providing for duties of commission relating to name changes by certain individuals.

PA SB314

In changes in records, further providing for death of registrant.

PA SB54

In limitation of time, further providing for six months limitation; in matters affecting government units, further providing for exceptions to sovereign immunity, for limitations on damages and for exceptions to governmental immunity and providing for claims for compensation for wrongful conviction; in general administration, providing for services after wrongful conviction; and, in Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, further providing for powers and duties of department.

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