PaFOIC RSS

PaFOIC RSShttp://www.openrecordspa.org/index.htmlNews from the PaFOICeninfo@openrecordspa.orgCopyright 2009 Kim de B2009-12-17T15:03:29-05:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Sun, 28 Mar 2010 15:22:49 -0400Opinion: Shut down these records!info@openrecordspa.orgOpinionRight to Know LawOpen recordsPIAA2009-12-17T15:03:29-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/585df5a3e33b0fbf3c2c4a900581ba43-319.html#unique-entry-id-319http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/585df5a3e33b0fbf3c2c4a900581ba43-319.html#unique-entry-id-319Bucks must release attendance recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen meetingsOffice of Open RecordsRTK request storiesBucks Co.2009-12-24T02:02:31-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/63702f1a568914e8f6b289ceeaacd8ea-318.html#unique-entry-id-318http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/63702f1a568914e8f6b289ceeaacd8ea-318.html#unique-entry-id-318]]>NCC journalism students examine Right to Know Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-10T00:57:57-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c2059b876dc55c6303c25b78d1a75a73-315.html#unique-entry-id-315http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c2059b876dc55c6303c25b78d1a75a73-315.html#unique-entry-id-315Right-to-know’ inquiries yield mixed results for staffinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-22T00:52:08-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8df04432c87960bf269d48641f5b0d10-314.html#unique-entry-id-314http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8df04432c87960bf269d48641f5b0d10-314.html#unique-entry-id-314Open records or closed records? Sun-Gazette reporters find outinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-24T00:45:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52e3c8acee22abb452fad8936bd02cac-313.html#unique-entry-id-313http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52e3c8acee22abb452fad8936bd02cac-313.html#unique-entry-id-313]]>Westmoreland County grants few open-records requestsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsWestmoreland Co.2009-12-26T00:42:43-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f8b9ac8d3e149c6aa07995cd6f7c4031-312.html#unique-entry-id-312http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f8b9ac8d3e149c6aa07995cd6f7c4031-312.html#unique-entry-id-312]]>Taxpayer costs add up in disputes over recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsFeesPottstown SD2009-12-24T00:36:06-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/177bde2230185b82e0b8599fe8173feb-311.html#unique-entry-id-311http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/177bde2230185b82e0b8599fe8173feb-311.html#unique-entry-id-311]]>PNA Legal Hotline: Sunshine Act not violated if quorum not presentinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-12-30T00:32:26-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/088066d34ac78293fc7b0f9851a89cc3-310.html#unique-entry-id-310http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/088066d34ac78293fc7b0f9851a89cc3-310.html#unique-entry-id-310Q: Our township supervisors held a non-public meeting where two of five current supervisors
and one supervisor-elect were present. Is this a Sunshine Law violation?]]>Right-to-know: Daily Record/Sunday News audit resultsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsAP Open Records Series2009-12-19T20:07:01-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ba137d52c0b6d6d8a1ee7315e18f7378-309.html#unique-entry-id-309http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ba137d52c0b6d6d8a1ee7315e18f7378-309.html#unique-entry-id-309Right-to-know audit: Police question requestinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsAP Open Records Series2009-12-19T20:06:02-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52b544698c14c0139cd960667a311a47-308.html#unique-entry-id-308http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52b544698c14c0139cd960667a311a47-308.html#unique-entry-id-308Right-to-know audit: Law is a challenge for small municipalitiesinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-19T21:08:09-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d47681a2ae7dd77728fa4f02c2cbe08a-307.html#unique-entry-id-307http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d47681a2ae7dd77728fa4f02c2cbe08a-307.html#unique-entry-id-307Centre County's open records response improvesinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawAP Open Records SeriesOpen records2009-12-21T11:17:29-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c2d688540244dc664231f4ac1d6e7cf3-306.html#unique-entry-id-306http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c2d688540244dc664231f4ac1d6e7cf3-306.html#unique-entry-id-306Franklin Co. tests state open records law: 2 failures out of 5 info requestsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawAP Open Records SeriesOpen records2009-12-21T11:13:46-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/58770adc107403a80b9f8ed4e1b61617-305.html#unique-entry-id-305http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/58770adc107403a80b9f8ed4e1b61617-305.html#unique-entry-id-305Access to county public documents examinedinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawAP Open Records SeriesOpen records2009-12-21T11:07:12-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d05428a00433c040b9c9ac4522efb25-304.html#unique-entry-id-304http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d05428a00433c040b9c9ac4522efb25-304.html#unique-entry-id-304As part of the Associated Press' Right-to-Know Law audit, staff writers Kent Jackson, Coulter Jones and Bob Kalinowski canvassed communities in The Citizens' Voice's and Standard-Speaker's coverage area over several days in October. They made requests for what are supposed to be public documents, and didn't identify themselves as newspaper reporters until pressed. Here's what they encountered:]]>Statewide audit: 5 Daily News reporters find progress, but a few roadblocksinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesOpen records2009-12-21T11:01:26-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3f3887496cf9c4f9a0cb57a41397c21c-303.html#unique-entry-id-303http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3f3887496cf9c4f9a0cb57a41397c21c-303.html#unique-entry-id-303]]>III: Changes could be on horizon for Pa.'s records law info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-23T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d5098c5f56156e5ff301bd6783beb967-302.html#unique-entry-id-302http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d5098c5f56156e5ff301bd6783beb967-302.html#unique-entry-id-302]]>II: Rules for Pa. Right-to-Know Law survey info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen recordsPaFOIC2009-12-22T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/16e336b441ad99e4d35cd6741c2aa526-301.html#unique-entry-id-301http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/16e336b441ad99e4d35cd6741c2aa526-301.html#unique-entry-id-301II: Media organizations in the Pa. open-records audit info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-22T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3c7b4b1bb63896d2013461b0e3c1d139-300.html#unique-entry-id-300http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3c7b4b1bb63896d2013461b0e3c1d139-300.html#unique-entry-id-300II: New records law seems to bring change in attitudesinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen recordsPaFOICPNA Legal2009-12-22T12:33:03-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62f3e4b79aed3a4dee4b630b1fce396c-299.html#unique-entry-id-299http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62f3e4b79aed3a4dee4b630b1fce396c-299.html#unique-entry-id-299]]>I: Major elements of revised Pa. Right-to-Know Law info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen records2009-12-21T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/bc0fa58149ae98e12923804a47755e38-298.html#unique-entry-id-298http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/bc0fa58149ae98e12923804a47755e38-298.html#unique-entry-id-298I: Reach of new Pa. FOI law gets tested in first year info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsPaFOIC2009-12-21T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/aeed7980822128f2db6975041c132f1a-297.html#unique-entry-id-297http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/aeed7980822128f2db6975041c132f1a-297.html#unique-entry-id-297Opinion: New state rules helping to open up recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionNew RTK LawOpen recordsTerry MutchlerOffice of Open Records2009-12-20T12:02:34-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2694181de88b1020305b826c866e99b5-296.html#unique-entry-id-296http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2694181de88b1020305b826c866e99b5-296.html#unique-entry-id-296Sunshine suit filed against Eastburg School Districtinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-12-19T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c9645928f1aff41b6327fd013c76d52b-295.html#unique-entry-id-295http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c9645928f1aff41b6327fd013c76d52b-295.html#unique-entry-id-295Opinion: First, Obama's transparency directive. Gov. Rendell: You next?info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawGovernment transparencyState government2009-12-17T13:10:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2cc69f25cade3519d142fa59615c6c45-294.html#unique-entry-id-294http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2cc69f25cade3519d142fa59615c6c45-294.html#unique-entry-id-294Opinion: Shut down these records!info@openrecordspa.orgOpinionNew RTK LawOpen recordsAddressesPIAAPNA LegalGovernment transparencyAutopsy reports2009-12-17T18:17:53-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2336ec94e74c54279b3d250ab6106f27-293.html#unique-entry-id-293http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2336ec94e74c54279b3d250ab6106f27-293.html#unique-entry-id-293]]>Opinion: Citizen watchdogs make most of Right to Know Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open Records2009-12-12T03:12:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fcabbc53b54e7727e50d1d3e7b0c4f25-292.html#unique-entry-id-292http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fcabbc53b54e7727e50d1d3e7b0c4f25-292.html#unique-entry-id-292We sometimes get asked what the average man or woman can do to impact government and encourage reform. On cynical days, it’s easy to feel helpless against “the establishment.”
Besides voting (or running for office yourself), one of the best ways to get active in Pennsylvania is to take advantage of the state’s Right to Know Law.]]>Newspaper goes to court for documentsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen records2009-12-13T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/85041f765c329908aa08f78a66858475-291.html#unique-entry-id-291http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/85041f765c329908aa08f78a66858475-291.html#unique-entry-id-291Opinion: Softwear snafu delays public Web postingsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionOpen recordsGovernment transparencyState government2009-12-13T13:02:40-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ca0fc56bbf76460ea8f2bb5156d2bb3e-290.html#unique-entry-id-290http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ca0fc56bbf76460ea8f2bb5156d2bb3e-290.html#unique-entry-id-290HARRISBURG - An effort to post a list of 66 Senate contracts and leases on an open-records Web site has run into lengthy delays. Last August, Senate officials said they hoped to have the taxpayer-funded contracts accessible on the state Treasury contracts Web site within a matter of days. These contracts fall under posting requirements in the state open records law which took effect earlier this year. That remains an elusive goal at year's end.]]>Judge: York Co. can withhold addresses in 911 response logsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesYork Co.911 logsAddressesOpen records2009-12-11T13:58:36-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/84a6121c8861c73c0fedcf70740a0c30-289.html#unique-entry-id-289http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/84a6121c8861c73c0fedcf70740a0c30-289.html#unique-entry-id-289Attorney: Sewer bill secrets ‘alarming’info@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesSharonOffice of Open Records2009-12-05T21:59:41-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f94d51363b0275055c513e1b2f7a0648-288.html#unique-entry-id-288http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f94d51363b0275055c513e1b2f7a0648-288.html#unique-entry-id-288Open records funding boosted info@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerState government2009-12-09T02:55:05-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/90793626a9a1704a5450435eee6d811a-287.html#unique-entry-id-287http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/90793626a9a1704a5450435eee6d811a-287.html#unique-entry-id-287Review drops appeal of open records case against Judge Smithinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsBradford Co.2009-12-08T20:50:41-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5b5a0cfa0712e0d1622cdada4f89e88a-286.html#unique-entry-id-286http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5b5a0cfa0712e0d1622cdada4f89e88a-286.html#unique-entry-id-286]]>PNA Legal Hotline: Court evidence presumed to be publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalJudicial records2009-12-10T20:47:10-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/48a1aa9bd9e5ee82af76d12ebe09f174-285.html#unique-entry-id-285http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/48a1aa9bd9e5ee82af76d12ebe09f174-285.html#unique-entry-id-285Q: A civil lawsuit involving a local government agency is pending and the parties have filed audio and video evidence with the court. Is this evidence public and can I get a copy?]]>New Pa. records office running at hectic paceinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerPredecisional deliberationsAddresses2009-11-29T16:21:06-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18e5ddf33b3f7e40a6c369ad842180a6-284.html#unique-entry-id-284http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18e5ddf33b3f7e40a6c369ad842180a6-284.html#unique-entry-id-284
Ms. Mutchler and her nine-member staff routinely work 12-hour days or longer to keep pace with a flood of paperwork.

To date, they have processed 1,006 appeals, conducted 300 training sessions around the state on the new Right-to-Know Law and fielded more than 5,000 e-mail and telephone inquiries.]]>State's records law hailed as step forwardinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawTerry MutchlerOffice of Open RecordsPaFOIC2009-11-29T00:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5bd2f9f83be80940c7048fdb713fd5a2-283.html#unique-entry-id-283http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5bd2f9f83be80940c7048fdb713fd5a2-283.html#unique-entry-id-283
But on Jan. 1, a revised Right-to-Know Law took effect. Eleven days later, the state's newly created, independent Office of Open Records began refereeing its first dispute between the public and a government agency.

Now, Mr. Davis said, as the one-year anniversary approaches, Pennsylvania's open-records law "easily" ranks in the top third across the nation -- what he called a "signal improvement."
]]>Despite 'RTK' Law, some records hard to findinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsGovernment transparency2009-11-18T17:59:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a71b8db538695e4ec7728b1d17337d38-282.html#unique-entry-id-282http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a71b8db538695e4ec7728b1d17337d38-282.html#unique-entry-id-282Monroe Co. judge overturns two open records rulingsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsOffice of Open Records2009-10-16T20:49:17-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/37b5fee57bc40ca513041ec44333a208-281.html#unique-entry-id-281http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/37b5fee57bc40ca513041ec44333a208-281.html#unique-entry-id-281State: McKeesport must open officer recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgMcKeesportRTK request storiesOpen records2009-10-01T17:08:18-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/59eb543c87be72e2a9212cf0783fedb8-280.html#unique-entry-id-280http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/59eb543c87be72e2a9212cf0783fedb8-280.html#unique-entry-id-280Judge fights release of material on his computersinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesNew RTK LawOpen recordsBradford Co.2009-10-05T17:00:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e61d296a5882bc59852087a4150811b3-279.html#unique-entry-id-279http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e61d296a5882bc59852087a4150811b3-279.html#unique-entry-id-279Judge to hear open records caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsSharonRTK request stories2009-10-02T20:49:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b135ceb376709c7504f81c3ec5233178-278.html#unique-entry-id-278http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b135ceb376709c7504f81c3ec5233178-278.html#unique-entry-id-278Dunmore loses appeal in open-records caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsDunmoreEmailOffice of Open RecordsRTK request stories2009-10-02T16:52:31-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/dc9672cb6a5966e806f3f041426aa877-277.html#unique-entry-id-277http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/dc9672cb6a5966e806f3f041426aa877-277.html#unique-entry-id-277Opinion: Right to Know and the constitutional right to privacyinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionNew RTK LawOpen recordsPrivacyAddressesOffice of Open Records2009-09-23T17:39:57-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/919e5ac9bd913def03845d3261ec04fe-276.html#unique-entry-id-276http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/919e5ac9bd913def03845d3261ec04fe-276.html#unique-entry-id-276Open-records requests cost Elco time, moneyinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawElco SD2009-09-22T20:48:02-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/83bb4188998ac80455a96f4233072ce2-275.html#unique-entry-id-275http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/83bb4188998ac80455a96f4233072ce2-275.html#unique-entry-id-275New Pa. Open Records law helps author uncover more information on mine fireinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsRTK request stories2009-09-21T17:24:48-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e898c23f840f6e75f64a0efb2c410810-274.html#unique-entry-id-274http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e898c23f840f6e75f64a0efb2c410810-274.html#unique-entry-id-274PNA Legal Hotline: RTK Law governs access to draft minutes, tape recordings info@openrecordspa.orgOpinionPNA LegalOpen recordsOpen meetingsTape recordingsNew RTK LawSunshine Act2009-09-17T17:17:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5a2258be2e44dc5b05cfa2838e190ac9-273.html#unique-entry-id-273http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5a2258be2e44dc5b05cfa2838e190ac9-273.html#unique-entry-id-273Q: The school board secretary makes a tape recording of all school board meetings and uses the recording to draft meeting minutes. Occasionally, it takes the school board months to complete and adopt meeting minutes based on this recording, and they refuse to release the tape recording or draft minutes. Is the tape recording a public record? How long can the school board take to adopt official minutes?Can I get a copy of the draft minutes?]]>Williams Twp. to add secretarial hours to process open records requestsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesNew RTK LawOpen recordsWilliams Twp2009-09-11T17:14:33-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0dfa02bac3103102017c1da60d24a708-272.html#unique-entry-id-272http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0dfa02bac3103102017c1da60d24a708-272.html#unique-entry-id-272York Twp. board to appeal open records rulinginfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsEmailYork Twp2009-09-11T10:48:47-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/978960475277de8446e7bff61fe7acd5-271.html#unique-entry-id-271http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/978960475277de8446e7bff61fe7acd5-271.html#unique-entry-id-271911 tapes raise more questions about crash victim police didn't findinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request stories911 logs2009-09-17T17:09:16-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b7cd800ece07c0935070d94f34a2bdb6-270.html#unique-entry-id-270http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b7cd800ece07c0935070d94f34a2bdb6-270.html#unique-entry-id-270New Pa. public-records law: lots of requests ... & lawsuitsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOffice of Open RecordsOpen records2009-09-16T09:41:40-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e59dc01f471171934905c8a1a4f27af7-269.html#unique-entry-id-269http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e59dc01f471171934905c8a1a4f27af7-269.html#unique-entry-id-269Open-records office withdraws from Luzerne Co. caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsNew RTK LawOpen recordsLuzerne Co.2009-09-07T16:11:11-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fbd035a25fdb920f6416b87d0dff4f5b-268.html#unique-entry-id-268http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fbd035a25fdb920f6416b87d0dff4f5b-268.html#unique-entry-id-268Opinion: Pre-registration for public comment at meetings unreasonableinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionPNA LegalSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-09-11T15:46:43-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/504ca54ef26bb64767c8f711c02135cf-267.html#unique-entry-id-267http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/504ca54ef26bb64767c8f711c02135cf-267.html#unique-entry-id-267Q: A new township policy requires anyone wishing to give public comment at a public meeting to sign up 3 days in advance and register the topics they will discuss. If you don’t preregister, you can’t speak at the meeting. Is this OK?]]>Opinion: What’s going on with the Sunshine Law?info@openrecordspa.orgOpinionSunshine ActSB 101 Sunshine Act AmendmentOpen meetings2009-09-11T15:33:52-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f08937a8033eae2e2d1dea2cd5979e3d-266.html#unique-entry-id-266http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f08937a8033eae2e2d1dea2cd5979e3d-266.html#unique-entry-id-266Lackawanna Court upholds Office of Open Records decisioninfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionPNA LegalNew RTK LawOffice of Open Records2009-09-10T11:03:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/46bcd5cf3a8caeb42eeedca519c691cf-265.html#unique-entry-id-265http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/46bcd5cf3a8caeb42eeedca519c691cf-265.html#unique-entry-id-265Harveys Lake official raises concerns about alleged questionable purchasesinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesHarveys Lake2009-09-03T00:58:13-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5876344b05f39a5e55df798dc11b6586-264.html#unique-entry-id-264http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5876344b05f39a5e55df798dc11b6586-264.html#unique-entry-id-264Councilman Charles Musial, who is also a police officer, revealed to the board at Wednesday's meeting that, acting on queries by residents about their sewer fees, he filed a Right-to-Know-Act request on authority records for 2007-08 and also did some research on his own. Musial said he was acting as a civilian and had to pay the municipal authority $150 for the records.]]>Ex-York tech school director paid as part of settlementinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesYork Co.2009-09-02T23:45:48-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e882b4674f2b17be934805da652b428-263.html#unique-entry-id-263http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e882b4674f2b17be934805da652b428-263.html#unique-entry-id-263York Twp. commissioners must turn over emailsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsYork TwpEmailOffice of Open Records2009-08-31T08:12:56-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/df6a5d100cca1bf8a96209e24597c800-262.html#unique-entry-id-262http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/df6a5d100cca1bf8a96209e24597c800-262.html#unique-entry-id-262Opinion: Update on public notice, open records billsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionGovernment transparencyPublic notice lawHB 677SB 419 Public Notice ActOpen recordsNew RTK LawHB1876HB 795 Legal Notices Act2009-09-03T14:17:42-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/377a4867f5ecd34269cfa2862bda5bb0-261.html#unique-entry-id-261http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/377a4867f5ecd34269cfa2862bda5bb0-261.html#unique-entry-id-261Village plans to be kept confidentialinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRTK request storiesCarroll Twp2009-08-27T17:41:31-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/446d678125e32fbfa4c0cb165b2c5b7c-260.html#unique-entry-id-260http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/446d678125e32fbfa4c0cb165b2c5b7c-260.html#unique-entry-id-260Opinion: Lawmakers prefer working in the darkinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparency2009-08-15T13:07:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cf2dfd7a6b4c2070a5402fc662adbc45-256.html#unique-entry-id-256http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cf2dfd7a6b4c2070a5402fc662adbc45-256.html#unique-entry-id-256Opinion: Shedding light on Sunshine Actinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-04-19T15:19:27-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/20ab6de5d61453495e99870eb480970f-255.html#unique-entry-id-255http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/20ab6de5d61453495e99870eb480970f-255.html#unique-entry-id-255]]>Commissioner charged for township informationinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsYork TwpFees2009-08-12T18:06:47-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c43ee781ea6a2ca6c0a5864783514d7b-253.html#unique-entry-id-253http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c43ee781ea6a2ca6c0a5864783514d7b-253.html#unique-entry-id-253Newspaper will appeal judge's ruling on Highland closed meetinginfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-08-11T15:10:35-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/df954083fd395f952ba474b62a9f0999-252.html#unique-entry-id-252http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/df954083fd395f952ba474b62a9f0999-252.html#unique-entry-id-252Reporter scores Right-to-Know Law victoryinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsMontgomery Co.RTK request stories2009-07-31T15:08:46-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c582a8da5cc17b31470d11a051b839b-251.html#unique-entry-id-251http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c582a8da5cc17b31470d11a051b839b-251.html#unique-entry-id-251Opinion: Your access to information is under attackinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawGovernment transparencyOffice of Open Records2009-07-31T12:52:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5440e74313d0b99a43612d5ee6b36bfa-250.html#unique-entry-id-250http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5440e74313d0b99a43612d5ee6b36bfa-250.html#unique-entry-id-250Court challenges could change the public's broad access to governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsPaFOIC2009-08-09T14:31:19-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4d86031d6a67dfdd89734feae0ed5cb5-249.html#unique-entry-id-249http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4d86031d6a67dfdd89734feae0ed5cb5-249.html#unique-entry-id-249Senate releasing contract list online info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRTK request storiesGovernment transparencyNew RTK Law2009-08-07T10:41:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8edbc9e82376d6b4bfedff0ffcd036d8-248.html#unique-entry-id-248http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8edbc9e82376d6b4bfedff0ffcd036d8-248.html#unique-entry-id-248Treasury contracts Web site to comply with the state open-records law.]]>Some state contracts not included in e-library info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsGovernment transparency2009-08-01T14:47:43-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/684a4b76574da250ec82c1446f17535c-247.html#unique-entry-id-247http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/684a4b76574da250ec82c1446f17535c-247.html#unique-entry-id-247Pennsylvania Contracts e-Library is one of the first fruits of the state's new open records law.
This e-library ostensibly allows the public to search and review on a Web site many state contracts worth more than $5,000 that have been awarded since July 1, 2008, by state agencies and the Legislature. The open records law requires state and legislative agencies to file these contracts (with some exceptions) within 10 days after the contract is fully executed with the state Treasury for posting. But not all contracts that fit the law's requirements are on the Treasury Web site.]]>Volunteer fire, ambulance squads seek exemption from disclosure lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawVolunteer fire companiesOffice of Open Records2009-07-24T13:22:55-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/90f0c8cc21c1a9fdd2c5620d7de2042e-246.html#unique-entry-id-246http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/90f0c8cc21c1a9fdd2c5620d7de2042e-246.html#unique-entry-id-246Opinion: What do they have to hide? What do they have to hide?info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsGovernment transparency2009-07-21T01:00:40-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6da197498a0538ad15c32df3f4b739b7-245.html#unique-entry-id-245http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6da197498a0538ad15c32df3f4b739b7-245.html#unique-entry-id-245Judge sides with school union in public-records caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawAddressesOffice of Open RecordsTerry Mutchler2009-07-29T13:16:31-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0dfea93abb9814513379796d7a28bd7e-244.html#unique-entry-id-244http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0dfea93abb9814513379796d7a28bd7e-244.html#unique-entry-id-244Opinion: Court enjoins release of school employees' home addressesinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpinionPNA LegalNew RTK LawOpen recordsAddresses2009-07-29T06:17:44-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9b3bb5e0c2393bc3a83ad61371b9c2d5-243.html#unique-entry-id-243http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9b3bb5e0c2393bc3a83ad61371b9c2d5-243.html#unique-entry-id-243Opinion: Court dismisses open records caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalGovernment transparencyOpen records2009-07-30T12:39:29-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/575a4cbef425c2dd2bd6cabae65286aa-242.html#unique-entry-id-242http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/575a4cbef425c2dd2bd6cabae65286aa-242.html#unique-entry-id-242Opinion: Taking care of wrong businessinfo@openrecordspa.orgPublic notice lawOpen recordsGovernment transparency2009-07-28T12:39:01-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/33d3c207cfe8783ebd33487ffe9475e5-241.html#unique-entry-id-241http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/33d3c207cfe8783ebd33487ffe9475e5-241.html#unique-entry-id-241Opinion: Will there be any info left?info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawAddressesHB 16672009-07-29T12:26:43-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4d5a0cb0350c29b4bb8132335391c234-240.html#unique-entry-id-240http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4d5a0cb0350c29b4bb8132335391c234-240.html#unique-entry-id-240Opinion: Is it really all about safety?info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsHB 1667New RTK LawTerry MutchlerGovernment transparency2009-07-31T12:19:35-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/de7dca37b000dcc8e959ba63d3b081f7-239.html#unique-entry-id-239http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/de7dca37b000dcc8e959ba63d3b081f7-239.html#unique-entry-id-239PNA Legal Hotline: Sunshine Act penalites not often imposedinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen meetingsSunshine Act2009-07-30T12:14:26-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/36dca17e86011abc68178b291a4e96fb-238.html#unique-entry-id-238http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/36dca17e86011abc68178b291a4e96fb-238.html#unique-entry-id-238Q: Our newspaper would like to pursue legal action against a local agency for Sunshine Act violations. Are there civil or criminal penalties for violating the act?]]>OOR stays release of home addresses of public employeesinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsNew RTK LawAddressesOpen recordsTerry Mutchler2009-07-30T11:58:51-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a2c900d96efc4ca3cb23c1d4caba7c55-237.html#unique-entry-id-237http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a2c900d96efc4ca3cb23c1d4caba7c55-237.html#unique-entry-id-237Meeting minutes may be kept to a minimuminfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen meetingsOpen records2009-07-25T23:15:46-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/04e56a5eec48da2d99cd974db121d0b3-236.html#unique-entry-id-236http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/04e56a5eec48da2d99cd974db121d0b3-236.html#unique-entry-id-236]]>Release of Pa. school employees' addresses halted info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsAddresses2009-07-29T20:09:30-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5f3a53e0504c8714caf47cfe6e076e21-235.html#unique-entry-id-235http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5f3a53e0504c8714caf47cfe6e076e21-235.html#unique-entry-id-235Opinion: Public records verify government activityinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawVolunteer fire companiesPublic notice lawSB 851HB 16672009-07-24T14:46:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f38047be28353142c87a0873cad8b5b5-234.html#unique-entry-id-234http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f38047be28353142c87a0873cad8b5b5-234.html#unique-entry-id-234Opinion: Luzerne County has unhealthy stance on right to knowinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsLuzerne Co.2009-07-20T14:39:32-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2d2398f77c5a0d79b7c831483939f414-233.html#unique-entry-id-233http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2d2398f77c5a0d79b7c831483939f414-233.html#unique-entry-id-233]]>Opinion: Budget cuts would gut commitment to open governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerGovernment transparency2009-07-21T14:34:41-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8b157dac3736bb75c26f5a5501be4dcc-232.html#unique-entry-id-232http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8b157dac3736bb75c26f5a5501be4dcc-232.html#unique-entry-id-232]]>Fire company open records ruling causes heatinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK LawVolunteer fire companies2009-07-13T02:11:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8ca25308105f6ba6e6c7a9e1b2b2e063-231.html#unique-entry-id-231http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8ca25308105f6ba6e6c7a9e1b2b2e063-231.html#unique-entry-id-231Open records office says budget cuts would set it backinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsGovernment transparency2009-07-25T14:09:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ca0e5748d0696b68c42ea6912acd292d-229.html#unique-entry-id-229http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ca0e5748d0696b68c42ea6912acd292d-229.html#unique-entry-id-229Budget cuts threaten disclosureinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsGovernment transparency2009-07-22T20:07:38-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d18fe40b12cca4eeefee7cd3665e8db5-227.html#unique-entry-id-227http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d18fe40b12cca4eeefee7cd3665e8db5-227.html#unique-entry-id-227HARRISBURG -- The ability of two oversight agencies to carry out their mandates is threatened by state budget cuts, a watchdog group says. Pennsylvania Common Cause is urging the governor and lawmakers to maintain funding for the Office of Open Records and the state Ethics Commission at previous year levels.]]>Open records request concerns resident, councilwomaninfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsHatboro2009-07-22T20:05:54-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/342a4ddf035f25ffc6f6e56b79b8a2c4-226.html#unique-entry-id-226http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/342a4ddf035f25ffc6f6e56b79b8a2c4-226.html#unique-entry-id-226The open records policy adopted by Hatboro Borough Council in January is being challenged for the first time by both a resident and a member of borough council who want access to a document ruled unavailable to the public by the borough’s public records officer and solicitor.]]>Mellow's Senate office records difficult to obtaininfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesGovernment transparencyOpen records2009-07-18T11:34:59-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1e624632e952f76355d8bb0f14f140c9-225.html#unique-entry-id-225http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1e624632e952f76355d8bb0f14f140c9-225.html#unique-entry-id-225Ruling: Schools' draft budgets are public recordinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsGovernment transparencySouth Eastern SDCentral York SD2009-07-18T20:46:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/992b1727cece7b85d77d9e8371bf4d05-224.html#unique-entry-id-224http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/992b1727cece7b85d77d9e8371bf4d05-224.html#unique-entry-id-224Doylestown vote could have violated Sunshine Law Vote could have violated Sunshine Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsDoylestown2009-06-05T02:30:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d538bf86897c3e7ee0643a6e795a454c-223.html#unique-entry-id-223http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d538bf86897c3e7ee0643a6e795a454c-223.html#unique-entry-id-223PNA Legal Hotline: Court records are presumed to be publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalCourt records2009-07-16T23:14:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cf887b13527c96dd8a42fc63177ee5bd-222.html#unique-entry-id-222http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cf887b13527c96dd8a42fc63177ee5bd-222.html#unique-entry-id-222Q: A local county court policy restricts access to all domestic court filings like divorce, custody, and child support. Pursuant to the policy, only parties and court personnel are entitled to access. Aren’t court records presumptively public?]]>Court to determine public access to 911 logsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsNew RTK Law911 logsYork Co.RTK request stories2009-07-12T10:06:19-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d85273af8a96719c24b3d6ab0c0c735-221.html#unique-entry-id-221http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d85273af8a96719c24b3d6ab0c0c735-221.html#unique-entry-id-221911 logs disagreement points out issues in RTK lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgYork Co.Open records911 logsRTK request stories2009-07-12T17:00:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f1cbb1802e602f1e2b96c5147819614b-220.html#unique-entry-id-220http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f1cbb1802e602f1e2b96c5147819614b-220.html#unique-entry-id-220Bracing start for state's Office of Open Recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerNew RTK Law2009-07-06T15:53:05-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ed4b84ac225dd5d0982bcd79305e1038-219.html#unique-entry-id-219http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ed4b84ac225dd5d0982bcd79305e1038-219.html#unique-entry-id-219Opinion: Legislature should put teeth in the state's Sunshine Actinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparency2009-03-15T17:54:48-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5316d36091dd43bd4c00884f34358f46-218.html#unique-entry-id-218http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5316d36091dd43bd4c00884f34358f46-218.html#unique-entry-id-218Reading officials violated Sunshine Law in closed meetings, lawyer saysinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsReading2009-07-03T17:52:05-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c1274d7cfc9ee23a91fa6e58f0273605-217.html#unique-entry-id-217http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c1274d7cfc9ee23a91fa6e58f0273605-217.html#unique-entry-id-217Opinion: Put some teeth in law that requires open meetingsinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparencyReading2009-07-12T17:45:34-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7a87f2b5dd793ec80e734af3cad20ddd-216.html#unique-entry-id-216http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7a87f2b5dd793ec80e734af3cad20ddd-216.html#unique-entry-id-216Drucker, McIlvaine Smith among those unveiling reform billsinfo@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparency2009-07-10T22:19:34-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5ff6c049551b532485e1b91ca79bc377-215.html#unique-entry-id-215http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5ff6c049551b532485e1b91ca79bc377-215.html#unique-entry-id-215PNA Legal Hotline: 'Retreat' to discuss five-year plan should be publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-07-09T10:18:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/20143ee3d36a4f3fd226801db5b55ae4-214.html#unique-entry-id-214http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/20143ee3d36a4f3fd226801db5b55ae4-214.html#unique-entry-id-214Q: The county housing authority is planning to hold a “summer retreat” for its members to work on the agency’s five-year plan. The retreat is not open to the public. Doesn’t the Sunshine Act require this type of discussion to be held at a public meeting?]]>Judge rules fire company is not public; first responders relievedinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsVolunteer fire companies2009-07-08T10:13:24-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fecc29d5c29daf53f65cc4ae2f5ee152-213.html#unique-entry-id-213http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fecc29d5c29daf53f65cc4ae2f5ee152-213.html#unique-entry-id-213Opinion: Let key reform produce moreinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen meetingsGovernment transparency2009-07-07T10:08:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0f462e4005f6ba7815238953d28db7ae-212.html#unique-entry-id-212http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0f462e4005f6ba7815238953d28db7ae-212.html#unique-entry-id-212Opinion: Let's celebrate transparent governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen meetingsGovernment transparency2009-07-02T12:01:30-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f05a3fa336d4ca3375c2f21c20d4c2c1-211.html#unique-entry-id-211http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f05a3fa336d4ca3375c2f21c20d4c2c1-211.html#unique-entry-id-211Pa. House panel advances online legal notices billinfo@openrecordspa.orgPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-06-30T12:11:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ac33bb612e55506c259be82a7872f48-210.html#unique-entry-id-210http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ac33bb612e55506c259be82a7872f48-210.html#unique-entry-id-210Complete Wachovia Arena contract releasedinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesLuzerne Co.Open records2009-06-23T11:42:25-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/aa32e09061ba4314dc30b7d2149035c7-209.html#unique-entry-id-209http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/aa32e09061ba4314dc30b7d2149035c7-209.html#unique-entry-id-209Public notice changes to be discussedinfo@openrecordspa.orgPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-06-22T11:38:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/876a936abc7da8cc9fc251ecae35228e-208.html#unique-entry-id-208http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/876a936abc7da8cc9fc251ecae35228e-208.html#unique-entry-id-208No written policy on ceremony attendanceinfo@openrecordspa.orgPottsvilleOpen recordsRTK request stories2009-06-19T09:10:06-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7f03fe677ec44ee63ccc5f97954fdd95-207.html#unique-entry-id-207http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7f03fe677ec44ee63ccc5f97954fdd95-207.html#unique-entry-id-207 open records request response received by the newspaper Wednesday.]]>Delco judge orders Radnor Right to Know case settledinfo@openrecordspa.orgRadnor TwpRTK request stories2009-06-24T11:29:27-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d9e74fcc9a8df8e2b5f0c8ce1746c7e6-205.html#unique-entry-id-205http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d9e74fcc9a8df8e2b5f0c8ce1746c7e6-205.html#unique-entry-id-205Open-records chief pleads for more moneyinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry Mutchler2009-06-30T11:25:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6e5af47bd566cf91ce11fbfbf30db1ae-204.html#unique-entry-id-204http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6e5af47bd566cf91ce11fbfbf30db1ae-204.html#unique-entry-id-204Online accounting: Give public clear picture of state financesinfo@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparency2009-06-21T05:14:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4f83d4bf3ec86046549a929cef219d29-203.html#unique-entry-id-203http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4f83d4bf3ec86046549a929cef219d29-203.html#unique-entry-id-203New light shed on lawmakers' secretive grantsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesGovernment transparencyOpen recordsNew RTK Law2009-06-20T07:30:41-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/959999bf021f3205d54ab725c40b6d9d-202.html#unique-entry-id-202http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/959999bf021f3205d54ab725c40b6d9d-202.html#unique-entry-id-202Opinion: What's best use of Internet for government information?info@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparencyHB 795 Legal Notices ActSB 419 Public Notice Act2009-06-18T16:48:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fc49956f863db2bcbc9057147c501f39-201.html#unique-entry-id-201http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fc49956f863db2bcbc9057147c501f39-201.html#unique-entry-id-201Wachovia Arena manager’s numbers kept secretinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRTK request storiesWachovia Arena2009-06-15T11:29:34-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ef186397f9a179ca3e2fe7361971066-200.html#unique-entry-id-200http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ef186397f9a179ca3e2fe7361971066-200.html#unique-entry-id-200Charter school appeals to block release of recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRTK request storiesChester Charter SchOffice of Open Records2009-06-11T11:22:18-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9f7b8d79b9233df670ae22345a256cd8-199.html#unique-entry-id-199http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9f7b8d79b9233df670ae22345a256cd8-199.html#unique-entry-id-199York Twp to post Right-to-Know requesters' infoinfo@openrecordspa.orgYork TwpOpen recordsNew RTK Law2009-06-10T14:46:18-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9accee0fb1fa182cf5d9c742731b548e-198.html#unique-entry-id-198http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9accee0fb1fa182cf5d9c742731b548e-198.html#unique-entry-id-198York County to appeal open records ruling on 911 logsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsYork Co.911 logsNew RTK Law2009-06-10T14:08:52-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2ab6e8d2dfe24fdb08b8eb5a6f3b75d8-197.html#unique-entry-id-197http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2ab6e8d2dfe24fdb08b8eb5a6f3b75d8-197.html#unique-entry-id-197Suit seeks open forum, says Gettysburg violated Sunshine Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActGettysburg2009-05-21T01:00:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/162fda7a8f5691a87458f406de65b154-196.html#unique-entry-id-196http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/162fda7a8f5691a87458f406de65b154-196.html#unique-entry-id-196Bill would exempt fire companies from Right to Know Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawSB 851Volunteer fire companies2009-05-18T09:06:40-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fa6eb6011311cdaf3f06865eb6b4414a-195.html#unique-entry-id-195http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fa6eb6011311cdaf3f06865eb6b4414a-195.html#unique-entry-id-195State: York County must give addresses in 911 logsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request stories911 logsNew RTK LawFinal determinationsYork Co.2009-05-27T10:58:42-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c0e4a27b912458a6340acba778f6d8e-194.html#unique-entry-id-194http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c0e4a27b912458a6340acba778f6d8e-194.html#unique-entry-id-194Luzerne County denies disclosure of health-care benefits costsinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request stories2009-05-24T04:06:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e109414eacab1befb658d96cfda569d7-193.html#unique-entry-id-193http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e109414eacab1befb658d96cfda569d7-193.html#unique-entry-id-193a right-to-know request from The Citizens’ Voice, the county right-to-know officer cited the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. ]]>York school board to review trip expensesinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsGovernment transparencyYork2009-05-22T21:09:03-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0b1a865ee96bfca5fae3212ae870f83d-192.html#unique-entry-id-192http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0b1a865ee96bfca5fae3212ae870f83d-192.html#unique-entry-id-192through a Right-to-Know request.]]>York school board spends on San Diego tripinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsGovernment transparencyYork2009-05-22T21:07:34-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a35450c87b0dfbee17bc9ee00756c3d7-191.html#unique-entry-id-191http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a35450c87b0dfbee17bc9ee00756c3d7-191.html#unique-entry-id-191PNA Legal: Records should be turned over when payment submittedinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsNew RTK Law2009-05-14T03:10:43-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ec92811697adada50197508baed25db7-190.html#unique-entry-id-190http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ec92811697adada50197508baed25db7-190.html#unique-entry-id-190Q: Can agencies withhold documents until my check clears and its financial department gives the go ahead?]]>Opinion: Defending the publication of public noticesinfo@openrecordspa.orgPublic notice lawSB 419 Public Notice ActGovernment transparency2009-05-14T03:00:16-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/158c7d77c0211156587d0f3172151537-189.html#unique-entry-id-189http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/158c7d77c0211156587d0f3172151537-189.html#unique-entry-id-189Opinion: Department of Education decisions threaten public noticeinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalPublic notice lawGovernment transparencyDept. of Education2009-05-21T02:52:24-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/30c282f1d86305e0264ca1991654b7e7-188.html#unique-entry-id-188http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/30c282f1d86305e0264ca1991654b7e7-188.html#unique-entry-id-188Opinion: SB 419 would harm democracy, as well as newspapersinfo@openrecordspa.orgPublic notice lawSB 419 Public Notice ActPNA LegalGovernment transparency2009-05-19T02:42:33-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/101c059e9dbb847f9b13bde365d800e4-187.html#unique-entry-id-187http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/101c059e9dbb847f9b13bde365d800e4-187.html#unique-entry-id-187PNA Legal Hotline: Home phone numbers not available through RTK Lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsNew RTK Law2009-05-21T02:39:10-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b59f931e91ea9346719dd9594cf89663-186.html#unique-entry-id-186http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b59f931e91ea9346719dd9594cf89663-186.html#unique-entry-id-186Q: The township supervisors do not hold office hours during the work day and work other full time jobs. I’d like to call them at home at a reasonable time. Can I get their home phone numbers via a Right to Know Law request?]]>Lawmakers consider letting legal ads go onlineinfo@openrecordspa.orgHB 677HB 795 Legal Notices ActGovernment transparencySB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice law2009-05-14T18:08:13-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/921ea1e7e9945b739d6071779ca1edf7-185.html#unique-entry-id-185http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/921ea1e7e9945b739d6071779ca1edf7-185.html#unique-entry-id-185Public notices could find new homes in print, online.info@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparencySB 419 Public Notice ActHB 795 Legal Notices ActHB 677Public notice law2009-05-14T08:32:56-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d5449e2b02dd429ca7e512d3d90106df-184.html#unique-entry-id-184http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d5449e2b02dd429ca7e512d3d90106df-184.html#unique-entry-id-184Pa. House committee looks at legal notice rules info@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparencyPublic notice law2009-05-15T08:05:04-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/893207e0f1238c670a53d73d04639906-183.html#unique-entry-id-183http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/893207e0f1238c670a53d73d04639906-183.html#unique-entry-id-183Schools peppered by Right to Know requestsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawRTK request storiesOpen records2009-05-16T07:17:05-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a168e683a81dfc7b2bf63efc1fd806fa-182.html#unique-entry-id-182http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a168e683a81dfc7b2bf63efc1fd806fa-182.html#unique-entry-id-182
These are some of the requests that reflect a flurry of activity sparked by the state's newly robust Right to Know Law. Since the beginning of the year, requests have been peppering the area's four school districts.]]>Harrisburg to put police blotter onlineinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsHarrisburgPolice reports2009-05-13T15:11:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/08939ffc976218a9c9f934509d84a494-181.html#unique-entry-id-181http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/08939ffc976218a9c9f934509d84a494-181.html#unique-entry-id-181York Township commissioner publicizes RTK requestersinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawFeesYork Twp2009-05-12T23:37:52-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d2de05f1b716d4ec2b7c84cb7c61a2ef-180.html#unique-entry-id-180http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d2de05f1b716d4ec2b7c84cb7c61a2ef-180.html#unique-entry-id-180]]>Pa. state police reverses policy on victims' namesinfo@openrecordspa.orgPolice reports2009-05-08T18:01:54-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/87fa3139b14cf0c9e5860429c33aa6cf-179.html#unique-entry-id-179http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/87fa3139b14cf0c9e5860429c33aa6cf-179.html#unique-entry-id-179E-mail messages: Does the public have a Right-to-Know?info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawEmail2009-04-30T10:18:44-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/244edf838d3b9072b859a48078c4f80e-178.html#unique-entry-id-178http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/244edf838d3b9072b859a48078c4f80e-178.html#unique-entry-id-178Pa.'s new Right-To-Know law hits some snagsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsNew RTK LawState government2009-05-05T21:58:32-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e97343394177538fa228d5b8b75908f-177.html#unique-entry-id-177http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e97343394177538fa228d5b8b75908f-177.html#unique-entry-id-177Public officials' e-mail open - but you can't always see itinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsYork TwpOffice of Open RecordsEmail2009-05-02T23:51:08-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6489893d5f8e884236922dde42401592-176.html#unique-entry-id-176http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6489893d5f8e884236922dde42401592-176.html#unique-entry-id-176Opinion: Shining some light on Pa. spendinginfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency ActGovernment transparency2009-05-03T12:29:48-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d4a0b6c59808b2e8748f85a5406566d2-175.html#unique-entry-id-175http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d4a0b6c59808b2e8748f85a5406566d2-175.html#unique-entry-id-175]]>Slow and steady on Sunshine Reform – Maybe this yearinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActSB 101 Sunshine Act AmendmentSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency ActSB 110 State aircraft logs2009-04-30T17:16:24-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f4a3821803e8ae0cc7b8cc67397d23b6-174.html#unique-entry-id-174http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f4a3821803e8ae0cc7b8cc67397d23b6-174.html#unique-entry-id-174Senate Bill 101, a bill to strengthen the penalties for willful violation of the state Sunshine Law. The bill is a good initial reform, but the opposition shows that more is needed.]]>Lobbyist notes to Rendell mix charm, pressureinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesLobbyist disclosureGovernment transparency2009-04-27T14:40:32-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c9f1401fa67b43c5f13f1b99aea129b3-173.html#unique-entry-id-173http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c9f1401fa67b43c5f13f1b99aea129b3-173.html#unique-entry-id-173County's public 911 response logs not usefulinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request stories911 logsYork Co.Open records2009-04-26T11:00:54-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/026e8954c254c3483bf6d22eabe604ff-172.html#unique-entry-id-172http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/026e8954c254c3483bf6d22eabe604ff-172.html#unique-entry-id-172York Twp. official: Post names of public records seekersinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsYork TwpNew RTK LawRTK request stories2009-04-16T20:35:47-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2dde267fccee5fead1900930343253fc-171.html#unique-entry-id-171http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2dde267fccee5fead1900930343253fc-171.html#unique-entry-id-171Opinion: Records proposal was a shameinfo@openrecordspa.orgYork TwpOpen records2009-04-19T20:33:09-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/131ff3b8a2fc5c8407824ad658d06156-170.html#unique-entry-id-170http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/131ff3b8a2fc5c8407824ad658d06156-170.html#unique-entry-id-170Opinion: Right to know in jeopardyinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-16T20:27:02-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/69b71c53691abf54336c56d3ead0ad9d-169.html#unique-entry-id-169http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/69b71c53691abf54336c56d3ead0ad9d-169.html#unique-entry-id-169]]>Opinion: Anti-democratic legal ads bill before Pa. Senateinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-16T20:18:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1b389ef11b5335e8d3cf4493910144a1-168.html#unique-entry-id-168http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1b389ef11b5335e8d3cf4493910144a1-168.html#unique-entry-id-168]]>Opinion: Advertising requirement is a matter of transparency info@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-16T20:15:35-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a79ce0f73ebe14ce90b4a6e9681d40-167.html#unique-entry-id-167http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a79ce0f73ebe14ce90b4a6e9681d40-167.html#unique-entry-id-167Opinion: Legal ads keep public informedinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-17T20:12:55-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3ad16cc309613361a0ad0612de432dc2-166.html#unique-entry-id-166http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3ad16cc309613361a0ad0612de432dc2-166.html#unique-entry-id-166Opinion: The fine printinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-17T20:10:44-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2737e0fa297f46b769635c5ce5097e25-165.html#unique-entry-id-165http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2737e0fa297f46b769635c5ce5097e25-165.html#unique-entry-id-165Opinion: Bill would make government in state even more secretiveinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-19T20:08:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4ff77fd9adcc6cb28f21ec4b5f91dbe8-164.html#unique-entry-id-164http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4ff77fd9adcc6cb28f21ec4b5f91dbe8-164.html#unique-entry-id-164]]>Opinion: Posting only to Web limits access to local informationinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-15T20:02:13-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8ab35351280f646b5f0bc875ebfce392-163.html#unique-entry-id-163http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8ab35351280f646b5f0bc875ebfce392-163.html#unique-entry-id-163Opinion: Web-only govt. notices will keep people in the darkinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-19T19:58:49-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1b6cb28b9434447a67977dcda3bfc06a-162.html#unique-entry-id-162http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1b6cb28b9434447a67977dcda3bfc06a-162.html#unique-entry-id-162Opinion: Sun still not shining in state Capitolinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparencyOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerState government2009-04-19T19:54:41-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/707a4ef88c4e542aa45296d33a591cf0-161.html#unique-entry-id-161http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/707a4ef88c4e542aa45296d33a591cf0-161.html#unique-entry-id-161Opinion: The public sectorinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-16T19:37:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f3ebd93bd7d12d8ed6e20ab9772eef4d-160.html#unique-entry-id-160http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f3ebd93bd7d12d8ed6e20ab9772eef4d-160.html#unique-entry-id-160Opinion: Plan to divert legal ads to government Web sites is riskyinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-12T19:34:02-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9f2e09cfd008d569bbb6f59af0862179-159.html#unique-entry-id-159http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9f2e09cfd008d569bbb6f59af0862179-159.html#unique-entry-id-159Opinion: Web no sub for newspaper ‘legals’info@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-13T19:31:34-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/271b5045ed56a66f537b6b874a61d37f-158.html#unique-entry-id-158http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/271b5045ed56a66f537b6b874a61d37f-158.html#unique-entry-id-158Opinion: Keep public notices publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-12T19:29:39-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/456855599fbc96e3a54829f6ecc981fd-157.html#unique-entry-id-157http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/456855599fbc96e3a54829f6ecc981fd-157.html#unique-entry-id-157Bills could take government notices out of newspapersinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-07T19:26:02-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52dbaefe5c18875cd757182d97059cb0-156.html#unique-entry-id-156http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52dbaefe5c18875cd757182d97059cb0-156.html#unique-entry-id-156Opinion: Robbins spearheads effort to limit public informationinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-13T19:20:38-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/60ba7d3c641d58063d93488c0ddbfa3b-155.html#unique-entry-id-155http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/60ba7d3c641d58063d93488c0ddbfa3b-155.html#unique-entry-id-155Blair County may change legal adsinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-07T19:18:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/830edafd50c43d05c0c95c94a1c604ee-154.html#unique-entry-id-154http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/830edafd50c43d05c0c95c94a1c604ee-154.html#unique-entry-id-154Public notices could be 'hidden' from viewinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-10T19:14:49-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4b050bc0f38e62143b058f5869f1a8cf-153.html#unique-entry-id-153http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4b050bc0f38e62143b058f5869f1a8cf-153.html#unique-entry-id-153Change to ‘legal ad’ rule may cloud sunshine, public advocates sayinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-14T19:09:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/313dced4704e451268fc3d0b96f4ce0a-152.html#unique-entry-id-152http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/313dced4704e451268fc3d0b96f4ce0a-152.html#unique-entry-id-152Opinion: Legal ad issue is disclosureinfo@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-12T19:06:03-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/26141c47770f640032f3d5f67b83f40c-151.html#unique-entry-id-151http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/26141c47770f640032f3d5f67b83f40c-151.html#unique-entry-id-151Opinion: Is this what you call reform?info@openrecordspa.orgSB 419 Public Notice ActPublic notice lawGovernment transparency2009-04-16T18:52:56-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/29180d57ce98891cd43dd4970843934d-150.html#unique-entry-id-150http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/29180d57ce98891cd43dd4970843934d-150.html#unique-entry-id-150PNA Legal Hotline: Informal requests for records OKinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen records2009-04-23T18:46:19-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/81503dbbd333c2ab5761594bca15df48-149.html#unique-entry-id-149http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/81503dbbd333c2ab5761594bca15df48-149.html#unique-entry-id-149Q: If I want a document from a local agency, do I have to make a Right to Know request?]]>Pa. backs New Era on autopsy reportsinfo@openrecordspa.orgFinal determinationsAutopsy reportsLancaster Co.Office of Open Records2009-04-21T11:01:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ffcecb1f31ea727c4d4c2f1b80dd181c-148.html#unique-entry-id-148http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ffcecb1f31ea727c4d4c2f1b80dd181c-148.html#unique-entry-id-148]]>Pennsylvania's open records law sets barriersinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsNew RTK LawOpen recordsTerry Mutchler2009-04-21T10:58:19-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2d3d8594ad0a9fe94f7ff6340d298332-147.html#unique-entry-id-147http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2d3d8594ad0a9fe94f7ff6340d298332-147.html#unique-entry-id-147Opinion: A foot in the doorinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerGovernment transparencyState government2009-04-18T12:37:33-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5fee80f400f62853656188a63e003294-146.html#unique-entry-id-146http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5fee80f400f62853656188a63e003294-146.html#unique-entry-id-146Opinion: Records czar out of loopinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerGovernment transparencyState government2009-04-14T18:44:39-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6e022a4e64b1ed7f23b17060f56e70c7-145.html#unique-entry-id-145http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6e022a4e64b1ed7f23b17060f56e70c7-145.html#unique-entry-id-145Chambersburg officials acknowledge council's violation of openness lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsChambersburg2009-04-15T02:00:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b4a63af2dd2cdee895f2ceb48557878d-144.html#unique-entry-id-144http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b4a63af2dd2cdee895f2ceb48557878d-144.html#unique-entry-id-144Opinion: Sunshine Act remains abysmally ineffectiveinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsChambersburg2009-04-15T02:00:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/11e828deef60accba9da1b49160ab22c-143.html#unique-entry-id-143http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/11e828deef60accba9da1b49160ab22c-143.html#unique-entry-id-143Opinion: Records dichotomyinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerNew RTK Law2009-04-14T10:15:52-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2652459eef4079b7c7c7d184c3b4f23f-142.html#unique-entry-id-142http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2652459eef4079b7c7c7d184c3b4f23f-142.html#unique-entry-id-142Opinion: Records law applies to all levels of governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsGovernment transparencyState governmentTerry Mutchler2009-04-13T13:20:08-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/632e565cf93a6c881d8d88a4a72dba8a-141.html#unique-entry-id-141http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/632e565cf93a6c881d8d88a4a72dba8a-141.html#unique-entry-id-141Opinion: OOR decision on 'draft' policy disappointinginfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalFinal determinationsOffice of Open RecordsBoard documentsPredecisional deliberations2009-04-07T11:45:35-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f674797e41a092737f4a9f4175e60beb-140.html#unique-entry-id-140http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f674797e41a092737f4a9f4175e60beb-140.html#unique-entry-id-140Opinion: State must close open records loopholeinfo@openrecordspa.orgBoard documentsPredecisional deliberationsFinal determinationsNorthamptonNew RTK Law2009-04-10T11:40:45-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6b81cd7c455848716820d435891754e7-139.html#unique-entry-id-139http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6b81cd7c455848716820d435891754e7-139.html#unique-entry-id-139Opinion: If requested, state should mail documentsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsDept. of Environmental ProtectionFinal determinations2009-04-10T02:04:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/34233be86cec377441ad3cec0d63aed6-138.html#unique-entry-id-138http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/34233be86cec377441ad3cec0d63aed6-138.html#unique-entry-id-138Pennsylvania has first test over access to recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgFinal determinationsDept. of Environmental ProtectionCourt appeals2009-04-08T10:20:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/11e8e35241e933f5a22f74afa8aa4faf-137.html#unique-entry-id-137http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/11e8e35241e933f5a22f74afa8aa4faf-137.html#unique-entry-id-137DEP challenges records rulinginfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsFinal determinationsCourt appealsDept. of Environmental Protection2009-04-10T10:14:56-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f676c47d82fa868016812463f47c0ec1-136.html#unique-entry-id-136http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f676c47d82fa868016812463f47c0ec1-136.html#unique-entry-id-136Pa.'s public-records czar faults Rendell on opennessinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerState governmentGovernment transparencyDept. of Environmental Protection2009-04-10T10:11:20-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7754a3c233aea9d38ae5c1604264bffa-135.html#unique-entry-id-135http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7754a3c233aea9d38ae5c1604264bffa-135.html#unique-entry-id-135Pa. newspaper group blasts open-records ruling info@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsPNA LegalNorthamptonFinal determinationsPredecisional deliberationsBoard documents2009-04-03T17:24:11-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b82b6b2857d03c42ba11acca17ea2351-134.html#unique-entry-id-134http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b82b6b2857d03c42ba11acca17ea2351-134.html#unique-entry-id-134Opinion: Office of Open Records issues damaging decisioninfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalFinal determinationsOffice of Open RecordsSunshine ActPredecisional deliberationsBoard documents2009-04-02T18:49:14-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/713f558902312dfbfe7282af68998bbe-133.html#unique-entry-id-133http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/713f558902312dfbfe7282af68998bbe-133.html#unique-entry-id-133PNA Legal Hotline: Vote taken at unadvertised meeting not voidinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalSunshine ActOpen meetings2009-04-02T18:43:38-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ce0ea670efdd912b8b41690c3181df2d-132.html#unique-entry-id-132http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ce0ea670efdd912b8b41690c3181df2d-132.html#unique-entry-id-132Q: A borough held an unadvertised special meeting and voted to create a contract during
the meeting. Does Sunshine Act automatically void the contract because the meeting was
not properly advertised?]]>Office of Open Records: No fees for emailing electronic recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsAdvisory opinionsFees2009-03-26T10:38:37-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/45803f612377a05e0702985b6fd427a8-131.html#unique-entry-id-131http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/45803f612377a05e0702985b6fd427a8-131.html#unique-entry-id-131PNA Legal: Our thoughts on the first decisions of the Office of Open Recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsFinal determinationsFinancial recordsBurden of proofInvestigative records2009-03-10T12:23:17-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/44bd221d6e461b3b59e1495b2c5afb1f-130.html#unique-entry-id-130http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/44bd221d6e461b3b59e1495b2c5afb1f-130.html#unique-entry-id-130PNA Legal: Questions for the Office of Open Recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsInvestigative recordsBoard documents2009-03-11T12:13:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8594f3fd854c4dd6206aa5c7ec7166e6-129.html#unique-entry-id-129http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8594f3fd854c4dd6206aa5c7ec7166e6-129.html#unique-entry-id-129Office of Open Records (OOR). We are continuing that discussion today, raising some of our questions and concerns about the first group of decisions.]]>PNA Legal: Police incident reportsinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsPolice reports2009-03-12T11:45:10-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0eba1a5159b40ee06110e161b8f7d6de-128.html#unique-entry-id-128http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0eba1a5159b40ee06110e161b8f7d6de-128.html#unique-entry-id-128PNA Legal Hotline: Settlement agreements are public recordinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsSettlement agreements2009-03-12T11:39:58-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f49a4c54659f21ac497530137bbe69de-127.html#unique-entry-id-127http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f49a4c54659f21ac497530137bbe69de-127.html#unique-entry-id-127Q: Are settlement agreements public? Can an agency rely upon a confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement to deny access?]]>Transparency would pay dividendsinfo@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparency2009-03-29T19:13:33-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/73ebe730eff3787158a9485e5a3f24d6-126.html#unique-entry-id-126http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/73ebe730eff3787158a9485e5a3f24d6-126.html#unique-entry-id-126PNA Legal Hotline: Fee schedule for criminal case filesinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalFeesJudicial records2009-03-26T16:59:23-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/21c29a3a42e79b15465351df76d60874-125.html#unique-entry-id-125http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/21c29a3a42e79b15465351df76d60874-125.html#unique-entry-id-125Q: Does the fee schedule for the new Right to Know Law apply to criminal case files in the Magisterial District Courts?]]>Citizens are driving open governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerOpen records2009-03-18T09:43:39-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e8b2bf40b8069b9366ff07c142a3a7a5-123.html#unique-entry-id-123http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e8b2bf40b8069b9366ff07c142a3a7a5-123.html#unique-entry-id-123Prothonotary’s office now offers documents free in digital forminfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsFeesCourt recordsLancaster Co.Allegheny Co.2009-03-16T23:05:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/939a93374866d9f97d2722c9675f2fa4-122.html#unique-entry-id-122http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/939a93374866d9f97d2722c9675f2fa4-122.html#unique-entry-id-122Pa. public officials cannot close meetings when it suits theminfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparencyPhiladelphiaLower Merion Twp2009-03-17T10:20:57-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d2d1fac11affd35595acd80f525a23d0-121.html#unique-entry-id-121http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d2d1fac11affd35595acd80f525a23d0-121.html#unique-entry-id-121 Negative coverage divides Radnorinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsOpen meetingsSunshine ActGovernment transparencyRadnor Twp2009-03-15T16:50:57-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/29f23cd8e42b242d7d949a801b56afdf-119.html#unique-entry-id-119http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/29f23cd8e42b242d7d949a801b56afdf-119.html#unique-entry-id-119Public records advocate: In Pa., a 'new era of openness'info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsPaFOICDept. of Public WelfareChalfontWorcester TwpShrewsbury TwpWattsburg2009-03-14T23:05:29-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4a1a3b06b286b5c8f8bef4052bcbe0a3-117.html#unique-entry-id-117http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4a1a3b06b286b5c8f8bef4052bcbe0a3-117.html#unique-entry-id-117Vote to keep committee meetings private breaks down along party linesinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparencyLower Merion Twp2009-03-11T15:31:37-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/24d064b85acafc6d8de33266b2c8f0fe-115.html#unique-entry-id-115http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/24d064b85acafc6d8de33266b2c8f0fe-115.html#unique-entry-id-115THE WATCHDOG: Chalfont Council gets Right to Know lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgTape recordingsSunshine ActOpen recordsNew RTK LawChalfont2009-03-12T19:00:16-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d02f6dd6c09f330f4c844485ecf65ead-112.html#unique-entry-id-112http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d02f6dd6c09f330f4c844485ecf65ead-112.html#unique-entry-id-112Radnor board axes manager over alleged bonus cover-upinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsRadnor Twp2009-03-08T17:19:56-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b25393104e42ce387c3d56172daf67f6-111.html#unique-entry-id-111http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b25393104e42ce387c3d56172daf67f6-111.html#unique-entry-id-111Lower Merion commissioners keep ad hoc budget meetings privateinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsLower Merion Twp2009-03-05T12:06:45-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e3d57e94444f3d90ab4886e4af2d9683-109.html#unique-entry-id-109http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e3d57e94444f3d90ab4886e4af2d9683-109.html#unique-entry-id-109]]>Bills would boost spending transparencyinfo@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparencySB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-03-06T11:50:02-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/821d733e98a4d47711c39abba545b12e-108.html#unique-entry-id-108http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/821d733e98a4d47711c39abba545b12e-108.html#unique-entry-id-108PNA Legal Hotline: W-2s of public employeesinfo@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalOpen recordsFinancial records2009-03-05T15:38:20-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e330130b5ed192aa327d6fec67d1ede-107.html#unique-entry-id-107http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7e330130b5ed192aa327d6fec67d1ede-107.html#unique-entry-id-107The decisions are in ... New Open Records Office issues first “Final Determinations”info@openrecordspa.orgPNA LegalFinal determinations2009-03-05T15:23:26-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a0e39d2fa0eebcc1f37f2ed7eb7aad99-106.html#unique-entry-id-106http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a0e39d2fa0eebcc1f37f2ed7eb7aad99-106.html#unique-entry-id-106Pennsylvania Supreme Court holds that autopsy reports are public records info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOffice of Open RecordsAutopsy reports2009-02-01T11:50:02-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fd6d21368472ec471d182d17d66e1b6b-105.html#unique-entry-id-105http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fd6d21368472ec471d182d17d66e1b6b-105.html#unique-entry-id-105Township manager's spending draws questions in Radnorinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen recordsRadnor Twp2009-03-04T10:53:14-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b11fcd525a93105517734986c6bed48b-104.html#unique-entry-id-104http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b11fcd525a93105517734986c6bed48b-104.html#unique-entry-id-104Lobbyist-lawmaker e-mails still off limitsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawLobbyist disclosure2009-03-03T10:13:06-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ddcb96c2a2e759959bc007d2cf1121d0-101.html#unique-entry-id-101http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ddcb96c2a2e759959bc007d2cf1121d0-101.html#unique-entry-id-101PHEAA foundation chief fired, board blasts expensesinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesState governmentGovernment transparency2009-03-03T10:07:44-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/71eb0d0123fb82e663997d571f6107af-100.html#unique-entry-id-100http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/71eb0d0123fb82e663997d571f6107af-100.html#unique-entry-id-100Open-records law fuels spats with municipalitiesinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsFranklintown2009-03-02T11:27:53-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c23c8ec3b46752617ee93412568cb845-97.html#unique-entry-id-97http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c23c8ec3b46752617ee93412568cb845-97.html#unique-entry-id-97THE WATCHDOG: Public has right to hear tapes of meetingsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsTape recordingsChalfontOffice of Open Records2009-02-22T15:45:43-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a875ec3670364ddafff048f2fa6f8ae4-95.html#unique-entry-id-95http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a875ec3670364ddafff048f2fa6f8ae4-95.html#unique-entry-id-95THE WATCHDOG: The tale of the tape in Chalfontinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsTape recordingsChalfont2009-01-18T15:42:06-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/146a5ed4ae67cee1a015468eea81c498-94.html#unique-entry-id-94http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/146a5ed4ae67cee1a015468eea81c498-94.html#unique-entry-id-94THE WATCHDOG: Chalfont on open records: No record, no probleminfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsChalfontTape recordings2009-01-11T15:34:48-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8f2b60a21a58793d17a766e60bf86e22-93.html#unique-entry-id-93http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8f2b60a21a58793d17a766e60bf86e22-93.html#unique-entry-id-93THE WATCHDOG: New records law opening up accessinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open Records2009-03-01T15:28:45-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5063d242a3d397edca16377909b50aaa-92.html#unique-entry-id-92http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5063d242a3d397edca16377909b50aaa-92.html#unique-entry-id-92Manager suspended in Radnorinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesRadnor Twp2009-02-28T12:31:36-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ac783aaadf09f6d510a3fb401800d0fd-91.html#unique-entry-id-91http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ac783aaadf09f6d510a3fb401800d0fd-91.html#unique-entry-id-91OFF THE FLOOR: Corbett, Scarnati, Rendell, McCall deserve reform kudosinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparencyLobbyist disclosure2009-02-27T11:00:22-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/edd04470c0ea4b4e6ba5f5268ae84c8b-90.html#unique-entry-id-90http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/edd04470c0ea4b4e6ba5f5268ae84c8b-90.html#unique-entry-id-90Lobbying law passes IRRC after November rejectioninfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparencyLobbyist disclosure2009-02-26T10:57:33-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/af2e006dc7f0f185a1fbd0a2ce16efe8-89.html#unique-entry-id-89http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/af2e006dc7f0f185a1fbd0a2ce16efe8-89.html#unique-entry-id-89Review panel OKs PA lobbyist disclosure rulesinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparencyLobbyist disclosure2009-02-26T15:52:33-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f151da38fe63917ae5be7f3e7b0af806-88.html#unique-entry-id-88http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f151da38fe63917ae5be7f3e7b0af806-88.html#unique-entry-id-88]]>City Council meets again in secret info@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2009-02-27T10:36:39-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9549e695a082dbcef57699e21a0d7bfe-87.html#unique-entry-id-87http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9549e695a082dbcef57699e21a0d7bfe-87.html#unique-entry-id-87]]>Council meeting on public meetings held in secretinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2009-02-27T10:35:06-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/647e5dcaaeaaf62c1d8dbc01c2e12284-86.html#unique-entry-id-86http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/647e5dcaaeaaf62c1d8dbc01c2e12284-86.html#unique-entry-id-86]]>Judge in suit over Chrin deal will reconsider recusalinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsWilliams Twp2009-02-17T08:19:18-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/dc61ea0510331163d91cdf171360d338-84.html#unique-entry-id-84http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/dc61ea0510331163d91cdf171360d338-84.html#unique-entry-id-84Judge's nondisclosure in Williams Township landfill case has unpleasant odorinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen meetingsSunshine ActWilliams Twp2009-02-17T08:20:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/01efe4441b79d02035c16086ff25b379-83.html#unique-entry-id-83http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/01efe4441b79d02035c16086ff25b379-83.html#unique-entry-id-83Lower Merion residents question closed budget sessionsinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsLower Merion Twp2009-02-25T17:49:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/56df80947fd7303b716963a6daa5da48-82.html#unique-entry-id-82http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/56df80947fd7303b716963a6daa5da48-82.html#unique-entry-id-82Records appeal turned downinfo@openrecordspa.orgFinal determinationsOffice of Open RecordsOpen recordsPenndel2009-02-25T11:39:09-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9dc7b132cfbf9055586e26f92f0769b5-81.html#unique-entry-id-81http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9dc7b132cfbf9055586e26f92f0769b5-81.html#unique-entry-id-81Ruling: Government employee birth dates are public records in Pa.info@openrecordspa.orgFinal determinationsOffice of Open RecordsOpen recordsPaFOIC2009-02-24T19:24:41-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/06472747dd3b29e9c2369453220bf97b-80.html#unique-entry-id-80http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/06472747dd3b29e9c2369453220bf97b-80.html#unique-entry-id-80Pa. open-records office: birth dates are public info@openrecordspa.orgFinal determinationsOffice of Open RecordsOpen records2009-02-24T19:19:24-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c249aac40556746ae372ebd3ef8a4bf-79.html#unique-entry-id-79http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7c249aac40556746ae372ebd3ef8a4bf-79.html#unique-entry-id-79Closed budget briefing sparks Sunshine Act debateinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2008-11-06T17:41:39-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/98117cb96ba3b0d04039815d27169949-78.html#unique-entry-id-78http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/98117cb96ba3b0d04039815d27169949-78.html#unique-entry-id-78Inquirer, Daily News sue to open Nutter-Council talksinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2008-11-06T17:37:53-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5ade62580a2220722ba11315f0fa84bc-77.html#unique-entry-id-77http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5ade62580a2220722ba11315f0fa84bc-77.html#unique-entry-id-77Sunshine Law allows for exchange of viewsinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2008-11-03T17:33:33-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3cc51352670d49e04e16855e20052635-76.html#unique-entry-id-76http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3cc51352670d49e04e16855e20052635-76.html#unique-entry-id-76Opinion: Sunshine Act is clearinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsPhiladelphia2008-11-02T17:29:56-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/eb01c2dc82433ecc6091d96571aaf5ef-75.html#unique-entry-id-75http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/eb01c2dc82433ecc6091d96571aaf5ef-75.html#unique-entry-id-75]]>Board should err on the side of openness and transparencyinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsGovernment transparency2008-09-16T17:19:33-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fd4caba1c6afc879a040942948e91b96-74.html#unique-entry-id-74http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fd4caba1c6afc879a040942948e91b96-74.html#unique-entry-id-74Rulings keep secret Pa. lawmaker-lobbyist contacts info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsGovernment transparencyState governmentLobbyist disclosure2009-02-24T14:58:49-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/33942c653a927dbd24c8a588fb2165c1-73.html#unique-entry-id-73http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/33942c653a927dbd24c8a588fb2165c1-73.html#unique-entry-id-73Open-records chief says meeting tapes are public.info@openrecordspa.orgAdvisory opinionsTape recordingsOpen records2009-02-20T10:55:32-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a04c9a6d396122038f040140b5671d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a04c9a6d396122038f040140b5671d-71.html#unique-entry-id-71Office of Open Record says recordings of meetings are public recordinfo@openrecordspa.orgAdvisory opinionsTape recordingsOffice of Open RecordsOpen records2009-02-19T23:45:11-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/89216996cd071706b3fe103549217dd6-70.html#unique-entry-id-70http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/89216996cd071706b3fe103549217dd6-70.html#unique-entry-id-70Documents in Right-to-Know case releasedinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRTK request storiesRadnor Twp2009-02-17T23:12:10-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/54ff84c0b2faf7c1d2188d2674cc58ff-69.html#unique-entry-id-69http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/54ff84c0b2faf7c1d2188d2674cc58ff-69.html#unique-entry-id-69Reading sewage plant costs discussed in closed meetinginfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsReading2009-02-10T11:47:13-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/725a7d5e77f674565a1e621b079c65bb-68.html#unique-entry-id-68http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/725a7d5e77f674565a1e621b079c65bb-68.html#unique-entry-id-68Amend Sunshine Act to allow stiff fines for violations info@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsReading2009-02-17T11:42:54-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d1c852ae64bcc72d237fc8c1c13942ab-67.html#unique-entry-id-67http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d1c852ae64bcc72d237fc8c1c13942ab-67.html#unique-entry-id-67Our Opinion: The Sunshine Act needs a stronger enforcement provision.]]>Ruling may return autopsy issue to Pa. Legislature info@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-02-14T10:57:40-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fee4b3b21ace65b4d8331d61b8cf8745-64.html#unique-entry-id-64http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/fee4b3b21ace65b4d8331d61b8cf8745-64.html#unique-entry-id-64Your RTK: Gaming Control Board halted leak investigation when questionedinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesOpen records2009-02-17T10:49:18-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6403bc68e37f4590332ee9110ddaa84a-63.html#unique-entry-id-63http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6403bc68e37f4590332ee9110ddaa84a-63.html#unique-entry-id-63Agencies to charge for access to recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerFees2008-11-29T18:23:02-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/30b93bc5871dcd653613bd856a5889ea-62.html#unique-entry-id-62http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/30b93bc5871dcd653613bd856a5889ea-62.html#unique-entry-id-62Opinion: You have a right to knowinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsShrewsbury TwpNew RTK Law2009-02-15T01:00:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/383c7623c7a300f5c2b2fac42f54b43e-61.html#unique-entry-id-61http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/383c7623c7a300f5c2b2fac42f54b43e-61.html#unique-entry-id-61New open records law puts contracts online but doesn't punish non-compliant agenciesinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsState contracts2008-08-31T02:44:16-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6faec84abd6fb8101433fc148baf4021-60.html#unique-entry-id-60http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6faec84abd6fb8101433fc148baf4021-60.html#unique-entry-id-60By SEAN ADKINS
[York] Daily Record/Sunday News

A revamped Pennsylvania Right to Know Law does not call for a state agency to be penalized should it opt not to hand over contracts that would have otherwise been included in a new online public database.

State agencies are responsible for providing the information for the online database maintained by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department.

However, the department would not take any action against a state agency that does not file a contract.

And the Right to Know Law doesn't allow for a fine or any action against the state agency for not submitting most contracts to the database.

But, the Right to Know Law does state that most contracts need to be filed with the treasury department within 10 days of a document's execution date to be posted online.

"It's almost like a self-policing type of thing," Elizabeth Kupchinsky, a treasury spokeswoman, said. "If an agency does fail to submit a contract, a member of the public can file a Right to Know request with that agency (to acquire a contract)."

A method of challenge should exist if an agency ignores the law and doesn't submit a contract to be posted online, said Melissa Melewsky, media law council with the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association.

"I certainly think we would have liked to have seen some teeth with this provision," she said. "But this is a law, and the law has to be followed."

New information online

On July 22, the treasury department unveiled the searchable online database that allows a public search through state contracts by entering criteria such as the name of the agency, grant amount or topic.

The database is not novel in that residents suddenly have access to never-before-released data, but rather now the public can view those contracts more quickly.

The money used to fund these state contracts comes from state taxes, fees and other charges, said Pennsylvania Treasurer Robin L. Weissmann.

"The whole point (for the Web site) is for people to know how their tax dollars are being spent," said Don Houser, chief of staff for Sen. Jake Corman, R-Centre County.

Corman drafted a Senate bill in June 2007 that called for an online contracts database.

Before the creation of the online database, individuals needed to make a formal request with an agency to gain access to a specific contract, Houser said.

"It was a cumbersome process," he said.

Now, each agency is bound by the updated Right to Know Law to submit most contracts worth $5,000 or more to the treasury department, where legal documents executed on or after July 1 are posted to its Web site.

For example, the query "Northwest Triangle" turns up an Aug. 22 contract in which the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has agreed to give York's redevelopment authority a $1.05 million grant to remediate the downtown site.

The money will be used to clean up the Keystone Color Works building and the soil in York's Northwest Triangle.

About the updated law

On Feb. 14, Gov. Ed Rendell inked a revamped Right-to-Know Law that favors public access to records.

Under this law, state agencies must prove that a record is non-public or that an exemption forbids access.

While most of the provisions in the law take effect on Jan. 1, 2009, the online database went into action last month.

For the most part, the contracts are between state agencies and outside parties, Weissmann said.

Not every contract worth more than $5,000 will find its way to the site.

For example, the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts will create a separate Web site for its contracts, Kupchinsky said.

Also, contracts that contain information protected by certain legal principles such as attorney-client privilege are exempt.

Submissions after six weeks

So far, more than 4,600 contracts have been uploaded, Kupchinsky said.

As of Aug. 22, 67 state agencies had submitted contracts while 47 had not, she said.

Houser said to have nearly 60 percent of agencies submitting contracts only six weeks after the launch of the site is a good sign.

"My understanding is that all agencies are moving to comply," said Terry Mutchler, executive director of Pennsylvania's new Office of Open Records.

"It is incumbent for public bodies to comply with this (law)," Mutchler said.

Agencies that have not submitted contracts might have not done so because that bureau might not have executed a deal on or after July 1, Kupchinsky said.

Melewsky said she believes state agencies will submit their contracts to be posted to the treasury department's Web site.

"There is no way to know for sure if all the contracts are up there," she said. "I think there has to be some level of trust in the government. I hope it won't be an issue. I think the state agencies will follow suit. I don't predict a problem," Melewsky said.

Houser said it's in the best interest of the state for the agencies to comply.

"We are in a nature of open records here in Pennsylvania," Houser said. "If agencies are not going to comply with this, shame on them."

AT A GLANCE

The database: On July 22, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department launched a free online database of state contracts that allows site visitors to review the documents that had been previously available through formal requests.
The contracts: According to Pennsylvania's updated Right to Know Law, state agencies have 10 days to file their contracts with treasury department. The department then posts the information to its site. Contracts uploaded to the treasury department's site are worth more than $5,000 and have been executed on or after July 1. So far, state agencies have posted more than 4,600 contracts to the site.
What we found: The Right to Know Law doesn't include a provision to penalize an agency for not filing a contract with the treasury department to be posted online.
On the Web: To use the database, go to http://contracts.patreasury.org/search.aspx. Once at the site, you can search by agency, contracting party, date or the amount of the contract.

]]>City police reports an issue under open records lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsPolice reportsOffice of Open RecordsTerry Mutchler2009-01-10T15:10:21-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ddd2d9f882531e0d8306a3477d334621-59.html#unique-entry-id-59http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ddd2d9f882531e0d8306a3477d334621-59.html#unique-entry-id-59State responds to Shrewsbury Twp. record request info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsShrewsbury TwpOffice of Open Records2009-02-14T23:22:24-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/550587419182ee73ef08ce8638a2f07e-58.html#unique-entry-id-58http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/550587419182ee73ef08ce8638a2f07e-58.html#unique-entry-id-58a letter to Shrewsbury Township regarding an open record appeal filed by a resident.]]>DA asks court to seal autopsy in Gates’ caseinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-02-09T23:30:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b9c5cf8347cf2d3254f7057161188af8-57.html#unique-entry-id-57http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b9c5cf8347cf2d3254f7057161188af8-57.html#unique-entry-id-57At odds over autopsy: Officials split on whether report should be made publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-02-06T23:45:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e447beb7cf8c886e03b0bf87a7cd9eb2-56.html#unique-entry-id-56http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e447beb7cf8c886e03b0bf87a7cd9eb2-56.html#unique-entry-id-56Judge denies access to Gates autopsyinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-02-11T23:36:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e76e2a832ca6571253d32e652447332b-55.html#unique-entry-id-55http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e76e2a832ca6571253d32e652447332b-55.html#unique-entry-id-55Radnor School District releases Right-to-Know documentsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsRadnor Twp2009-02-12T19:30:27-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8a5b11c000dca7990232edc8157a8421-54.html#unique-entry-id-54http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/8a5b11c000dca7990232edc8157a8421-54.html#unique-entry-id-54PNA Legal Hotline: Redaction of Cell Phone Recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgCell phone recordsOpen recordsPNA Legal2009-02-12T16:10:50-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1cbf12cdf4c003c7d4ae1f3f36fbe649-53.html#unique-entry-id-53http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1cbf12cdf4c003c7d4ae1f3f36fbe649-53.html#unique-entry-id-53Secrecy & Favoritism: Auditor General draft report slams administration handling of tech contractsinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparencyOpen records2009-02-11T10:50:31-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/19d06182304492601e156bbee153515f-52.html#unique-entry-id-52http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/19d06182304492601e156bbee153515f-52.html#unique-entry-id-52Findings test new open-records lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparencyOpen records2009-02-11T10:45:38-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9fc9b66501e90d6567b3571129138193-51.html#unique-entry-id-51http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9fc9b66501e90d6567b3571129138193-51.html#unique-entry-id-51]]>Shrewsbury Twp. couple among first to file right-to-know appealinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsOpen recordsNew RTK LawShrewsbury Twp2009-02-07T18:31:35-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/be18623d595f82be09f2e9364f1d4597-50.html#unique-entry-id-50http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/be18623d595f82be09f2e9364f1d4597-50.html#unique-entry-id-50Appeals show what right-to-know requests are being deniedinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsOpen recordsNew RTK LawPaFOIC2009-02-07T18:31:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f18f86c849614de482d723f7eeb64b40-49.html#unique-entry-id-49http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/f18f86c849614de482d723f7eeb64b40-49.html#unique-entry-id-49Pa. open-records law takes effect todayinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawTerry Mutchler2009-01-01T21:20:15-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a38072e3cfb0d87e3276e52347a64a-48.html#unique-entry-id-48http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/62a38072e3cfb0d87e3276e52347a64a-48.html#unique-entry-id-48House Republicans question timing of publication of Democrats' rules info@openrecordspa.orgState governmentGovernment transparency2009-02-03T11:53:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/24e028f8268709bc3552689a8271b59c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/24e028f8268709bc3552689a8271b59c-47.html#unique-entry-id-47State, local governments should encourage citizen participationinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsGovernment transparency2009-02-04T11:50:02-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2dbaae809e37bb2785bec75983213615-46.html#unique-entry-id-46http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/2dbaae809e37bb2785bec75983213615-46.html#unique-entry-id-46A lively first month for Pa. Open Records Office info@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsTerry MutchlerNew RTK Law2009-01-31T11:05:49-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5cfc4f05c2e85698bd4fe7a1e98c79e9-45.html#unique-entry-id-45http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5cfc4f05c2e85698bd4fe7a1e98c79e9-45.html#unique-entry-id-45New Open Records Law presentation Feb. 10 in Philadelphiainfo@openrecordspa.orgPaFOICNew RTK Law2009-02-02T11:01:15-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/878741952c0d96cdf8b6a9ac3a5079db-44.html#unique-entry-id-44http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/878741952c0d96cdf8b6a9ac3a5079db-44.html#unique-entry-id-44Halifax Township supervisors order study of building feesinfo@openrecordspa.orgRTK request storiesHalifax Twp2009-01-13T19:18:35-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/540730aaf413dcea983767163686f545-43.html#unique-entry-id-43http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/540730aaf413dcea983767163686f545-43.html#unique-entry-id-43Pa. Supreme Court rules Express-Times should have access to 2005 police shooting autopsy reportinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-01-23T22:50:30-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18773042ea0a96897c9f239939c24f0d-42.html#unique-entry-id-42http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18773042ea0a96897c9f239939c24f0d-42.html#unique-entry-id-42]]>Autopsy reports are public, high court declaresinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-01-23T22:45:23-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b777cbde9d2858745206a4b0e9d3eca9-41.html#unique-entry-id-41http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b777cbde9d2858745206a4b0e9d3eca9-41.html#unique-entry-id-41Top Pa. court: Autopsy reports publicinfo@openrecordspa.orgAutopsy reports2009-01-23T16:00:43-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/926f6d22ab43dc17ead84ca765ede087-40.html#unique-entry-id-40http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/926f6d22ab43dc17ead84ca765ede087-40.html#unique-entry-id-40Opinion – Reform revived: Pennsylvania Republicans seek good governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsState government2009-01-28T15:48:35-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6314514621754acd66e4aa2d6be143e4-39.html#unique-entry-id-39http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6314514621754acd66e4aa2d6be143e4-39.html#unique-entry-id-39Residents' lawsuit to block Williams Township landfill expansion tossedinfo@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsWilliams Twp2009-01-23T21:03:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9de375ada58097ae2b12b08d8223d8ab-38.html#unique-entry-id-38http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9de375ada58097ae2b12b08d8223d8ab-38.html#unique-entry-id-38]]>Judge tosses suit claiming Williams Township, Chrin met illegally info@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsWilliams Twp2009-01-24T20:59:42-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ee2eb13c1a2595b9d7a1750f619c90b-37.html#unique-entry-id-37http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ee2eb13c1a2595b9d7a1750f619c90b-37.html#unique-entry-id-37Judge hears testimony on Chrin deal / Suit: Williams Twp. violated Sunshine Act info@openrecordspa.orgSunshine ActOpen meetingsWilliams Twp2009-01-22T20:55:55-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7307fafc0bb6576f908b1f92572b9039-36.html#unique-entry-id-36http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7307fafc0bb6576f908b1f92572b9039-36.html#unique-entry-id-36Municipalities, school districts prepared for new open records lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawRadnor Twp2009-01-14T12:06:32-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a32319ff57a2dfb73854575af9a0d5a0-35.html#unique-entry-id-35http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a32319ff57a2dfb73854575af9a0d5a0-35.html#unique-entry-id-35]]>Opinion: Obama comes out for open governmentinfo@openrecordspa.orgGovernment transparency2009-01-25T15:00:44-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/10f798e804c6df5bd5e0e0ceaf27db31-34.html#unique-entry-id-34http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/10f798e804c6df5bd5e0e0ceaf27db31-34.html#unique-entry-id-34Many citizens use open-records law for things large and smallinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawPaFOICRadnor Twp2009-01-21T16:26:42-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/42e3ae43bfbe9a08c498f7884163521a-33.html#unique-entry-id-33http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/42e3ae43bfbe9a08c498f7884163521a-33.html#unique-entry-id-33Your RTK: Warning letters go out to enforce Pa. smoking ban info@openrecordspa.orgRTK request stories2009-01-22T17:20:27-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/06c2e76aecea5c1409be33dcebcc47e8-32.html#unique-entry-id-32http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/06c2e76aecea5c1409be33dcebcc47e8-32.html#unique-entry-id-32Pennsylvania's Republican senators renew push for reforminfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentSB 101 Sunshine Act AmendmentSB 107 Salary Information ActSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-01-22T10:39:10-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d24dc87f460302ede1e87e64aa80b4fa-31.html#unique-entry-id-31http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/d24dc87f460302ede1e87e64aa80b4fa-31.html#unique-entry-id-31 GOP reform bills would post state spending on Webinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentSB 101 Sunshine Act AmendmentSB 107 Salary Information ActSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-01-22T10:34:54-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c159ae5307aa6836078c48f36ed5e5b4-30.html#unique-entry-id-30http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c159ae5307aa6836078c48f36ed5e5b4-30.html#unique-entry-id-30State GOP senators pushing 'legislative reform bills'info@openrecordspa.orgState governmentSB 107 Salary Information ActSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-01-22T10:28:43-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/22e7b7520bed14bdf7278654a50bfea7-29.html#unique-entry-id-29http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/22e7b7520bed14bdf7278654a50bfea7-29.html#unique-entry-id-29Senate GOP reintroduce reform measuresinfo@openrecordspa.orgState governmentSB 101 Sunshine Act AmendmentSB 107 Salary Information ActSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-01-22T09:51:36-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9ff67b72b4026a86ffab25eacf10971c-28.html#unique-entry-id-28http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/9ff67b72b4026a86ffab25eacf10971c-28.html#unique-entry-id-28Advocates praise Obama move on government disclosure info@openrecordspa.orgFOIA2009-01-21T20:35:27-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b8b800b2561103668434a9ac8dfcb1cd-27.html#unique-entry-id-27http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b8b800b2561103668434a9ac8dfcb1cd-27.html#unique-entry-id-27President Obama's Memo on Freedom of Information Actinfo@openrecordspa.orgFOIA2009-01-21T19:22:37-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3aca71b8e4d5c79673c45e5d059de9f7-26.html#unique-entry-id-26http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/3aca71b8e4d5c79673c45e5d059de9f7-26.html#unique-entry-id-26Legislature sharing information online info@openrecordspa.orgState governmentSB 107 Salary Information ActSB 105 Taxpayer Transparency Act2009-01-15T11:20:37-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1e51d3f7280c2c6efa534f7afef1bf20-25.html#unique-entry-id-25http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1e51d3f7280c2c6efa534f7afef1bf20-25.html#unique-entry-id-25]]>Mutchler encourages activists on records law, with caveatsinfo@openrecordspa.orgTerry MutchlerNew RTK Law2009-01-14T11:53:50-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/96716d8162257270484b68852936b48a-24.html#unique-entry-id-24http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/96716d8162257270484b68852936b48a-24.html#unique-entry-id-24New York expert raps new Pa. records law info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK Law2008-12-27T11:43:25-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0a9adfceedbd718c03a3bbf55b3e05ad-23.html#unique-entry-id-23http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0a9adfceedbd718c03a3bbf55b3e05ad-23.html#unique-entry-id-23PA Supreme Court bans paper's access to cell phone bills.info@openrecordspa.orgOpen recordsCell phone records2008-12-22T22:35:33-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ece9960c747468f392fad453a928504-22.html#unique-entry-id-22http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/1ece9960c747468f392fad453a928504-22.html#unique-entry-id-22II: Terry Mutchler: Right-to-know advocate and arbiter info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesTerry MutchlerOffice of Open Records2008-12-23T10:58:07-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/08aa9d95ae5a0e94b98294aaf0e77e4c-21.html#unique-entry-id-21http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/08aa9d95ae5a0e94b98294aaf0e77e4c-21.html#unique-entry-id-21 APlogo_h

Second in a five-part series of Associated Press stories on Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law.
In high school, Terry Mutchler's tenacity could be measured in broken field-hockey sticks, including the time she broke her wooden stick in the heat of a game and had to use one belonging to her coach.]]>II: Q & A – What is the Pa. Office of Open Records? info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK LawOffice of Open Records2008-12-23T10:55:44-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4e956835d679747d6f1ed6ad1cdbebcd-20.html#unique-entry-id-20http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/4e956835d679747d6f1ed6ad1cdbebcd-20.html#unique-entry-id-20Q: What is the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records?]]>III: New Pa. law opens up government contractor records info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-24T10:52:56-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/00ea3577412fb931d36b9cde26075fc1-19.html#unique-entry-id-19http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/00ea3577412fb931d36b9cde26075fc1-19.html#unique-entry-id-19 APlogo_h

Third in a five-part series of Associated Press stories on Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Private businesses that do business with state and local governments in Pennsylvania are about to find themselves having to make some of their records available to the public.]]>IV: In Pa., neglected records may mean longer waits info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-25T10:48:50-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a8bd5e421f1665105489411f2819faa1-18.html#unique-entry-id-18http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a8bd5e421f1665105489411f2819faa1-18.html#unique-entry-id-18 APlogo_h

Fourth in a five-part series of Associated Press stories on Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law.HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — In many government offices, records requests made under the state's new Right-to-Know Law may take longer than necessary to process because officials have not policed their files over the years and disposed of outdated records.]]>IV: Q & A — Can non-Pa. residents seek records under new law? info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-25T10:46:30-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a8bd7e6982e2dc61b17b39956372e88d-17.html#unique-entry-id-17http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/a8bd7e6982e2dc61b17b39956372e88d-17.html#unique-entry-id-17Q: Can I be denied a public record under Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law because I am not a Pennsylvania resident?]]>V: Pa.'s new law improves state's access reputation info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-26T10:41:39-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cae3149eb18fe7906a907d9db6856595-16.html#unique-entry-id-16http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cae3149eb18fe7906a907d9db6856595-16.html#unique-entry-id-16 APlogo_h

Final installment in a five-part series of Associated Press stories on Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law. HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — It was a dubious distinction that may have done more than any other factor to produce a new Right-to-Know Law: Pennsylvania's long-standing reputation as one of the worst states when it comes to letting people know what their government is doing.]]>V: Q & A — Pa. law provides paper option for electronic files info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-26T10:37:22-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7eaf5062672c47c288b617815cabbffa-15.html#unique-entry-id-15http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/7eaf5062672c47c288b617815cabbffa-15.html#unique-entry-id-15Q: What if the public record I want is in electronic form, but I don't have access to a computer?]]>III: Q & A — Will the Right-to-Know Law foster identity theft? info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-24T10:35:32-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ffb24b73abae6f1b82778e08dbca06f3-14.html#unique-entry-id-14http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/ffb24b73abae6f1b82778e08dbca06f3-14.html#unique-entry-id-14Q: Will Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law make it easier for someone to steal my identity?]]>I: Q & A — What makes new Pa. open-records law different? info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-22T02:24:05-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18030c93e55cebca169f16930a50e626-13.html#unique-entry-id-13http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/18030c93e55cebca169f16930a50e626-13.html#unique-entry-id-13Q: What is the major difference between Pennsylvania's old and new Right-to-Know laws?]]>I: Pa. Right-to-Know law contains 30 exceptions info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-22T02:05:20-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0da03662a7d28d5448ba9edc76b4ddc2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/0da03662a7d28d5448ba9edc76b4ddc2-12.html#unique-entry-id-12Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law contains exceptions for 30 categories of records. Most do not apply to financial records or aggregated data, such as spreadsheets and databases. A summary of the exceptions:]]>I: How to file a Right-to-Know request under Pa. law  info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-22T02:01:47-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/bbd0674e9f305f3c01e97c68e9161690-11.html#unique-entry-id-11http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/bbd0674e9f305f3c01e97c68e9161690-11.html#unique-entry-id-11Common questions and answers about how to file a request under Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law.]]>I: What's public and what's not under new Pa. lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-22T01:58:51-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/802e145a1af52774828eed792b2c11de-10.html#unique-entry-id-10http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/802e145a1af52774828eed792b2c11de-10.html#unique-entry-id-10Examples of information that the government must make available to the public under Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law, and examples of government information that will remain private:]]>THE WATCHDOG: New rules are open gift for Pa.info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawPaFOICOffice of Open Records2008-12-21T10:33:18-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cb075dc0f54d5f2c2fabc5e9c5ff8b5d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cb075dc0f54d5f2c2fabc5e9c5ff8b5d-8.html#unique-entry-id-8Citizens, researchers, reporters and just plain inquisitive folks will get a belated Christmas gift when a new law takes effect Jan. 1 opening more government information to public eyes. The state's revised Right-to-Know law forces more agencies, plus state lawmakers and judges, to release records. It brings Pennsylvania in line with many other states.]]>Pa. open-records chief shows independent spirit info@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawTerry MutchlerOffice of Open RecordsFees2008-12-06T00:27:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c06ae8015ff5da5eda6456dc4505be09-7.html#unique-entry-id-7http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/c06ae8015ff5da5eda6456dc4505be09-7.html#unique-entry-id-7I: New Pa. open records law seen as key to public access info@openrecordspa.orgAP Open Records SeriesNew RTK Law2008-12-22T03:20:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b38daf025fc230503be5668035c66046-6.html#unique-entry-id-6http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b38daf025fc230503be5668035c66046-6.html#unique-entry-id-6 APlogo_h

First in a five-part series of Associated Press stories on Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law.
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Public-access advocates hope that widely shared frustration will subside after Jan. 1, when an overhaul of the state's Right-to-Know Law takes effect. The changes are expected to dramatically expand what people can find out about what goes on behind the scenes of the state and local governments. ]]>On Jan. 1, a new day opens with public access to recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsNew RTK LawOpen records2008-11-26T18:26:18-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6de38a44873205caa123b82e361e61e8-5.html#unique-entry-id-5http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/6de38a44873205caa123b82e361e61e8-5.html#unique-entry-id-5Those municipalities and school districts that habitually make it difficult for citizens to obtain information about their taxpayer-supported enterprises face a day of reckoning on Jan. 1. That's when a new Right-to-Know Law takes effect, with this fundamental change: All records will be considered public documents unless specifically exempted.]]>Pennsylvania sets fee for copying public recordsinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsOpen recordsNew RTK LawFees2008-11-26T18:21:41-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52a9849ce71214d31df67c0ad902b96e-4.html#unique-entry-id-4http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/52a9849ce71214d31df67c0ad902b96e-4.html#unique-entry-id-4HARRISBURG — People seeking most government records will soon pay no more than 25 cents a page under a new state policy. The fee system, set by the newly created Office of Open Records, will apply to all state agencies and municipal governments when the state's Right to Know Law takes effect Jan. 1.]]>Pa. record copies limited to a quarter a pageinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsOffice of Open RecordsFees2008-11-22T10:33:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e117e76f6f2f802dfa246985f4fe8c2e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/e117e76f6f2f802dfa246985f4fe8c2e-3.html#unique-entry-id-3HARRISBURG (AP) — Starting next year, citizens seeking copies of most public records in Pennsylvania won't be charged more than a quarter a page, under an order that the state's open-records chief plans to issue Monday.
]]>Hiring freeze won't affect Pa. open-records officeinfo@openrecordspa.orgOffice of Open RecordsState government2008-10-06T15:20:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cbb532e8f260c5578035267cba630315-2.html#unique-entry-id-2http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/cbb532e8f260c5578035267cba630315-2.html#unique-entry-id-2HARRISBURG (AP) — Pennsylvania's new open-records chief has Gov. Ed Rendell's permission to hire all the employees she needs, despite a statewide hiring freeze.]]>Open government, transparency are things we should all agree oninfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOpen recordsRadnor Twp2008-11-11T14:59:00-05:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d7b7276ed595266731d009d09e1577d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/5d7b7276ed595266731d009d09e1577d-1.html#unique-entry-id-1Open government and transparency are the types of issues that people from all areas of the political spectrum can unite behind and support. Because when a governmental body like the Radnor Township School Board makes a decision, as many of my great elementary school teachers from Radnor stressed to me when I was a student, it is critical that they show their work.]]>Pennsylvania officials fret over beginning of open records lawinfo@openrecordspa.orgNew RTK LawOffice of Open Records2008-10-07T14:51:00-04:00http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b7b3c701a45838de6d52e8130c89d019-0.html#unique-entry-id-0http://www.openrecordspa.org/09news_files/b7b3c701a45838de6d52e8130c89d019-0.html#unique-entry-id-0As state officials prepare to oversee a new open records law, senators sought assurances Monday that the law will not burden local governments or lead to more identity theft.]]>