Standard Right-to-Know Law Request Form
View original document →
Document Overview
This is a two-page official form from the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records used to submit requests for public records under the state's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). The form is designed to be completed by a resident or entity seeking access to government records.
Submission Instructions
- Agency: The requester must specify the name of the agency to which the request is submitted.
- Method: The form allows the requester to indicate how the request was sent (Email, U. S. Mail, Fax, or In Person).
- Retention: The form explicitly instructs the user to retain a copy of both pages, as it may be required for appeals.
Requester Information
The form collects the following details about the person making the request:
- Identity: Full Name and Company (if applicable).
- Contact Details: Email address, Mailing Address (City, State, Zip), and Telephone number.
- Communication Preference: The requester must specify how they prefer to be contacted if the agency has questions (Telephone, Email, or U. S. Mail).
- Response Preference: The requester indicates whether they want the response sent via Email or U. S. Mail.
Legal Affirmation
A mandatory checkbox requires the requester to affirm that:
- Their full name and contact information are true and correct.
- They are a legal resident of the United States.
- Warning: The form notes that failure to check this box may result in the denial of the request and dismissal of any appeal.
Records Requested
- Description: The requester must provide as much detail as possible regarding the subject matter, time frame, and type of record sought.
- Constraint: The form clarifies that RTKL requests must seek records, not ask questions. Additional pages may be used if necessary.
Copy Preferences and Fees (Page 2)
- Format: The requester indicates if they want copies (printed or electronic) or if they prefer in-person inspection.
- Certified Copies: There is an option to request certified copies, which may incur additional costs.
- Fee Notification: The requester can set a threshold (defaulting to $100) for fee notification. If fees exceed this amount, the agency must notify the requester before further processing.
- Fee Schedule: The form references the "Official RTKL Fee Schedule" for details on costs.
Agency Use Only (Page 2)
The bottom section of the second page is reserved for agency officials to record:
- Tracking number and Date Received.
- Response Due dates (standard 5 business days, or a 30-day extension if applicable).
- Final disposition of the request (Granted, Partially Granted & Denied, or Denied).
- Cost to the requester.
- Confirmation that appropriate third parties were notified if necessary.