York County News

Mar. 19, 2024

HARRISBURG – An initiative proposed by Rep. Kate Klunk (R-Hanover) to amend Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law has successfully passed the state House. Klunk's amendment aims to protect victims of sexual harassment and assault by preventing their names from being disclosed in settlement agreements with public entities during the right-to-know process.

Representative Klunk expressed her thoughts on the importance of the amendment, stating, "With this update to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, we have a chance to right a wrong affecting sexual harassment and assault victims." She further emphasized the significance of safeguarding victims' safety and privacy, adding, "Disclosing a victim’s name through the right-to-know process jeopardizes their safety and their privacy; this is absolutely unacceptable."

Klunk highlighted the necessity of providing additional protection for victims by exempting sensitive records from public access within the Right to Know Law. She expressed her satisfaction with the bipartisan support received for the initiative, stating, "Exempting sensitive records from public access is an important feature of Right to Know Law, and we need further protection for victims. I am encouraged my initiative received unanimous support from both sides of the aisle, and I hope the measure advances swiftly to the governor’s desk for signature into law."

Individuals interested in listening to Rep. Klunk’s full comments on the amendment can do so by clicking here. For inquiries regarding this initiative or any other state-related issues, individuals are encouraged to contact Klunk’s office at 717-630-8942.

For media inquiries, please contact Katelin Morrison at 717.260.6502 or via email at kmorrison@pahousegop.com. Additional information can also be found on RepKlunk.com, Facebook.com/RepKlunk, and Instagram.com/RepKateKlunk.