# Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law

- Summary: Overview of the Law This document outlines Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, originally introduced as Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dominic Pileggi during the 2007-08 legislative session. The law was…
- Source: Blair County
- Published: 2008-02-14
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/Documents/RTKL/PA_Right-To-Know_Law.pdf?pdft=20220418
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/document/right-to-know-law-document/
- Content note: This portable copy is not the official record and may include an automated convenience summary. Verify important details in the original document.

Overview of the Law This document outlines Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law, originally introduced as Senate Bill 1 by Senator Dominic Pileggi during the 2007-08 legislative session. The law was unanimously approved by both the Senate (50-0) and the House of Representatives (199-0), and signed into law on February 14, 2008. The document also notes that Chapter 15 of the law was amended by Act 2023-29, effective July 1, 2024. Key Provisions The Act establishes a framework for public access to information across various government bodies. Its primary goals include: Open Records Officers: Mandating the appointment of a designated open-records officer in every Commonwealth, local, judicial, and legislative agency. Procedures: Establishing clear procedures for requesting records, appealing agency determinations, and seeking judicial review. Office of Open Records: Creating the Office of Open Records to oversee compliance. Penalties: Imposing penalties for non-compliance. State Institutions: Requiring reporting by State-related institutions and the posting of certain State contract information on the Internet. Legislative Timeline The document specifies a staggered implementation schedule for different parts of the Act: July 1, 2008: Chapters 15 and 17, along with specific sections of Chapter 31 (3102(1)(i) and 3102(2)(i)), took effect. January 1, 2009: The remainder of the Act took effect. Structure of the Law The law is organized into several chapters covering specific aspects of public records: Preliminary Provisions: Defines the short title and key terms. Requirements and Prohibitions: Outlines rules for Commonwealth, local, legislative, and judicial agencies, including the presumption of access and the nature of documents. Access: Details the scope of the law, roles of open-records and appeals officers, regulations, uniform forms, request procedures, and record retention. Procedure: Covers access methods, written requests, electronic access, record creation, redaction, and exceptions. Agency Response: Establishes general rules for responses, extensions of time, denials, certified copies, and record discard. Appeal of Agency Determination: Describes the process for filing appeals and the role of appeals officers. Judicial Review: Details court processes for different agency types, including notice, costs, penalties, immunity, and the role of the Office of Open Records. State-Related Institutions: Defines filing requirements, contents of filings, and contract information for these specific institutions. State Contract Information: Mandates the submission, retention, and public availability of contracts. Miscellaneous Provisions: Includes applicability, relation to other laws, severability, and repeals.