Crime Victims and Criminal Defendants Now Allowed Access to Certain Criminal Records for Use in Civil Suits

Yesterday, Act 134 of 2022 went into effect. It permits crime victims and criminal defendants to obtain from criminal justice agencies (including municipal police departments) criminal history investigative information for use in or investigation of an actual or potential civil action. The law contains various exceptions to disclosure, including if, after reasonable redactions, dissemination of the requested information by the agency would adversely affect investigations or ongoing prosecutions or endanger people or public safety. Act 134 does not amend the Right-to-Know Law, but instead is a new requirement under the Criminal History Record Information Act. PSATS will be hosting a webinar soon to discuss these requirements so be sure to check back in the Morning News for more information or at learn.psats.org.