Governor Signs Bill Opening Vital Statistics Information

Robbins measure would provide access to birth, death records

Governor Corbett signed into law Thursday (December 15) legislation that will make it easier for the public to research birth and death records maintained by the Commonwealth, after a suitable waiting period, according to Senator Bob Robbins (R-50), the prime sponsor of the bill.

Act 110 of 2011 (Senate Bill 361) opens birth records to the public 105 years after the date of birth and death records 50 years after the date of death. Until the new law becomes effective in mid-February of 2012, those records are considered by the state to be closed and only immediate family members are eligible to obtain a certified birth and/or death record.

"I am pleased that my colleagues acted on this bill and that the Governor has now signed it into law. One of the Commonwealth's greatest assets is our rich history and – in particular – the lives and legacies of the many Pennsylvanians who have contributed much to our state and our nation," Senator Robbins said. "Historians, researchers and average citizens who simply want to track their family trees will now have greater access to these valuable and essential records."

Contact:

Michael Hengst
(717) 787-1322