Pennsylvania § 305.3 - Access to older public records.
Full text of Pennsylvania Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 305.3 — Access to older public records., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 305.3. Access to older public records.
(a) Access.--Any provision of law that exempts from public disclosure an item in the custody of the State Archives shall not apply after the item becomes at least 75 years old, irrespective of:
(1) The origin of the item.
(2) The manner in which it was deposited with the State Archives.
(3) Any other condition or circumstance at the time the item was deposited with the State Archives.
(b) Applicability.--Subsection (a) shall apply to any item currently in the custody of the State Archives and any item deposited in the State Archives after the effective date of this section.
(c) Notification to depositors.--The State Archives shall notify a party who deposits an item in the State Archives after the effective date of this section of the provisions of subsection (a).
(d) Public notice.--The commission's publicly accessible Internet website shall include a public notice stating that on or after January 1, 2021, all items that are at least 75 years old and on deposit in the State Archives shall be accessible to the public.
(e) Construction.--If the provisions of this section conflict with any State law limiting disclosure of vital statistics or sealed records or with Federal law, the provisions of this section shall not apply.
(Nov. 3, 2022, P.L.1665, No.102, eff. 60 days)
2022 Amendment. Act 102 added section 305.3.
Cross References. Section 305.3 is referred to in section 305 of this title.
Source: official Pennsylvania text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Pennsylvania § 305.3
What does Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 305.3 cover?
Section 305.3 ("Access to older public records.") is part of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, the codified statutory law of Pennsylvania. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Pennsylvania § 305.3?
A common citation format is "Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes § 305.3" (Pennsylvania). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Pennsylvania law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Pennsylvania official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Pennsylvania attorney.
How does Pennsylvania § 305.3 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Pennsylvania.