Co-Sponsorship Memo Details

To be granted a legal name change in Pennsylvania, one of the many steps an applicant must take is to submit a petition to the Court of Common Pleas.  The applicant must then publish a notification of their intended name change in at least two newspapers circulated in their county with the knowledge that their court records are publicly accessible online.  Furthermore, the name change process is costly, with as much as $350 spent on newspaper publication alone.  These requirements are archaic and cumbersome, especially for transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive people in our communities.
 
It is time that we address this costly and emotional barrier faced by residents changing their legal name to reflect their authentic selves.  For this reason, we plan on introducing legislation to address publication requirements and seal court records for name change proceedings.  This is an important step forward to ensure that all members of our community face fewer obstacles when changing their legal name.  It is also a necessary adjustment to our laws to better protect transgender, non-binary, and gender expansive Pennsylvanians.
 
All residents should be treated equally, no matter where they live or how they identify themselves.  This commonsense legislation is vital to safeguarding equality and reforming an antiquated legal process.  Please join us in co-sponsoring this legislation.  Your consideration is greatly appreciated.