Pennsylvania Code Title 107 - HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF PENNSYLVANIA
Pennsylvania Code Title 107 is quite unique compared to many other state administrative codes because it directly addresses the internal operations and specific functions of the House of Representatives of Pennsylvania, rather than a state executive agency.
While most administrative code titles deal with regulations promulgated by various departments and agencies under the executive branch, Title 107 outlines rules directly related to the legislative body itself.
Here's what you'll typically find within OAR Chapter 107:
Chapter 1: RESERVED: This often indicates that a chapter was once used or is being held for future use, but currently contains no active regulations.
Chapter 101: LEGISLATIVE OFFICE FOR RESEARCH LIAISON: This chapter would detail the structure, purpose, and operations of the Legislative Office for Research Liaison. This office likely serves as a point of contact or a resource for research related to legislative matters, connecting legislators with academic institutions, experts, or research data. It might cover:
Its mission and functions.
How it interacts with members of the House.
The types of research it conducts or facilitates.
Confidentiality policies for information provided or requested.
Chapter 201: RIGHT-TO-KNOW LAW-STATEMENT OF POLICY: This is a crucial chapter, as it addresses how the Pennsylvania House of Representatives complies with the state's Right-to-Know Law (Pennsylvania's version of a public records law). This chapter would establish the House's policy for:
Defining what constitutes a "public record" within the House.
Procedures for requesting access to records.
Designating an Open Records Officer (or similar official).
Timelines for responding to requests.
Exemptions to disclosure.
Fee schedules for duplication of records.
Appeal processes for denied requests.
Why is this significant?
Transparency and Accountability: Chapter 201, in particular, is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability in the legislative process by making House records accessible to the public, consistent with the Right-to-Know Law.
Internal Governance: Unlike typical administrative rules that govern external entities or the public, Title 107 dictates how the legislative body itself conducts certain aspects of its internal operations and its interactions with the public regarding information.
Separation of Powers: It reflects the distinct nature of the legislative branch, establishing its own administrative rules for certain functions, rather than being solely subject to the administrative rules of the executive branch.
In summary, Pennsylvania Code Title 107 is not about laws that the House passes for the public, but rather the administrative regulations that govern specific internal operational aspects of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives itself, particularly concerning research liaison and compliance with public information laws.
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