Hi- It isn't my description--I was merely passing the information along so that everyone could follow the links in the message and learn more on the subject. See: http://users.rcn.com/timarg/PaHR-Access.htm The legislation concerns Pennsylvania DEATH certificates--not information on LIVING people. The death information is already online for the most recent deaths in the Social Security Death Index--but the actual death certificates could provide much more information for genealogists. This it getting a bit off-topic for this list and I do not wish to start a discussion of this matter -- but those who are concerned about identity theft would be wise to be more concerned about what they put out in their trash (without shreading) and how they monitor their credit cards, bank account information, and social security number than they should about information included in public vital records or family trees. Joan In a message dated 7/8/2008 5:40:13 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time, Salapano@aol.com writes: Joan - Thanks for that pertinent information, but your description is rather vague. As a genealogist, I would love to have better access to historical records. But, as a Pennsylvania resident, I would also like to know that my own records remain as safe as possible to protect against identity theft, and to assure me a reasonable amount of privacy. Do you have any specific information? **************Gas prices getting you down? Search AOL Autos for fuel-efficient used cars. (http://autos.aol.com/used?ncid=aolaut00050000000007)