Pennsylvania Act 1937-352 — INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH, DISSEMINATION

Act text

INFORMATION ABOUT THE COMMONWEALTH, DISSEMINATION
                 Act of Jun. 5, 1937, P.L. 1688, No. 352              Cl. 71
                                  AN ACT

     Relating to the dissemination of information pertaining to
        affairs of the Commonwealth, including information pertaining
        to civil rights and constitutional guarantees; and conferring
        powers and duties with respect thereto upon the Department of
        State.

        Section 1.  Be it enacted, &c., That the Department of State
     shall have the power, and its duty shall be so far as
     practicable--
        (a)  Upon request in writing, to furnish, or cause to be
     furnished, to any person, association or corporation, data and
     information pertaining to the various affairs of the
     Commonwealth: Provided, That nothing herein contained shall be
     deemed to authorize or require the department--(1) to make
     public any data or information in the possession of the
     Commonwealth that is declared by law to be confidential; or (2)
     to render or furnish any opinion on any legal matter.
        (b)  Upon written complaint filed with the department, to
     refer to such civil groups or organizations, as the department
     deems appropriate, alleged violations of the rights of free
     speech and assembly, the rights of labor to organize and bargain
     collectively, and other civil rights and constitutional
     guarantees.
        Section 2.  It shall be the duty of the various
     administrative departments, boards, and commissions, or other
     agencies of the Commonwealth, to cooperate, so far as
     practicable, with the Department of State in the performance of
     its duties under this act.
        Section 3.  The Department of State is hereby authorized to
     adopt rules and regulations pertaining to its powers and duties
     under this act.
        Section 4.  The sum of seventeen thousand five hundred
     dollars ($17,500), or so much thereof as may be necessary, is
     hereby specifically appropriated to the Department of State
     administering and otherwise carrying out the purposes of this
     act.
        Section 5.  This act shall become effective on the first day
     of June, one thousand nine hundred thirty-seven.