Good News from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania!

Pennsylvania Governor Thomas Corbett is Expected to Sign Pennsylvania Senate Bill #361-Within Next Several Days.

Being a Pennsylvanian by birth and having most of my own family history located in the boundaries of Pennsylvania, I am exited about the prospect of having more vital records available to the public.  It has been a long fought battle to have these records released.

Blake Stough from Pennsylvania wrote an interesting article in his Preserving York blog about “An Act amending the act of June 29, 1953 (P.L.304, No.66), known as the Vital Statistics Law of 1953, further providing for disclosure of records.”  In terms that would interest both genealogists and historians-Senate Bill #361 will make birth certificates issued by Pennsylvania open public record after 105 years, and death certificates issued would become public record after 50 years. This bill opens the research door for many persons who have an interest in their Keystone State ancestors.

The Senate Bill #361 has now been sent to the Governor, who has indicated that he is willing to sign it into legislation in the next few days.   Let’s hope other states follow the fine example of Pennsylvania.