PA Standard Right-To-Know Request Form
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Document Overview
This is the Standard Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) Request Form issued by the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. It is designed for residents to formally request public records from government agencies in Pennsylvania.
Key Details
- Issuing Authority: Pennsylvania Office of Open Records.
- Purpose: To initiate a legal request for public records under the RTKL.
- Appeal Rights: Requesters have 15 business days to appeal if a request is denied or deemed denied.
- Form Update Date: February 3, 2020 (visible in the bottom right corner).
Instructions for Completion
- Submission: The form must be submitted to the specific agency name (Attention: AORO).
- Method: Requesters must indicate how the form was submitted (Email, U.S. Mail, Fax, or In Person).
- Contact Info: The requester must provide full contact details (Name, Address, Email, Phone) and specify their preferred method for the agency to contact them regarding questions.
- Record Description: The "Records Requested" section requires clear, concise details including subject matter, time frame, and type of record. The form explicitly states that requests should seek records, not ask questions.
Options and Preferences
- Copies: Requesters must choose between printed copies (default), electronic copies, or in-person inspection.
- Certification: There is an option to request certified copies, which may incur additional costs.
- Fee Notification: Requesters can opt to be notified if fees exceed $100.
- Fee Schedule: The form references the "Official RTKL Fee Schedule" for payment details.
Agency Use Section
The bottom portion of the form is reserved for agency use only and includes fields for:
- Tracking numbers and dates received.
- Response due dates (standard is 5 business days).
- Extension options (30-day extension with final due date).
- Decision status (Granted, Partially Granted & Denied, or Denied).
- Cost to the requester.
- Confirmation that third parties were notified if necessary.
Additional Information
- Public Record Note: The form notes that a completed RTKL request is generally a public record.
- Resources: More information is available at
https://www.openrecords.pa.gov.