# Right-to-Know Law

- Summary: Open Records Policy PDF Right-to-Know Request On January 1, 2009, a new Right-to-Know Law (the “RTKL”) took effect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under this statute (Act 3), public records…
- Source: AltoonaPa.gov
- Published: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Captured: 2026-08-10T16:49:35.826Z
- Source URL: https://www.altoonapa.gov/rtkl
- Content URL: https://hollidaysburg.ebensburg.site/page/right-to-know-law/

Open Records Policy PDF Right-to-Know Request On January 1, 2009, a new Right-to-Know Law (the “RTKL”) took effect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Under this statute (Act 3), public records of the City of Altoona, and all municipalities, are generally available to the public who request them. The City of Altoona, and all municipalities, are required to make available for public inspection, records which meet the generally outlined qualifications set forth in the Act. For more information regarding the Act go to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records website: www. openrecords. pa. govPUBLIC RECORDThe Right-to-Know Law defines a public record as information, which documents a transaction or activity of the City, and that is created, received or retained pursuant to law or in connection with a transaction, business or activity of the City. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIVE RECORDSCriminal investigative records related to open criminal investigations will be denied under the Right to Know Law. LAW ENFORCEMENT RECORDINGSLaw Enforcement recordings to include any audio or video recording made by a law enforcement agency under Act 22 of 2017 must use the Law Enforcement Recording Request Form – Act 22 of 2017. The PA Right to Know Law does not apply to such recordings. Act 22 requires requests to be submitted in person or by certified mail. Requests must be submitted within 60 days of the event, recorded on the Act 22 Form, with ALL of the information provided. The City of Altoona has 30 calendar days to respond. For more information on Pennsylvania Law and Act 22 Audio or Video Recordings go to www. openrecords. pa. govREQUESTS AND CONTACT INFORMATIONRequests for public records must be made in writing by completing and submitting the City’s Right to Know Request Form. The City of Altoona will also accept the Commonwealth of PA Office of Open Records Form as required. All such requests should be submitted to the City of Altoona’s Open Records Officer:City of Altoona Open Records Officer1301 12th Street, Suite 100Altoona, PA 16601online: https://www. altoonapa. gov/rtkl This is a fillable, submittable formemail the Commonwealth form to: cityclerk@altoonapa. govA hard copy of the form is available at City Hall. ANONYMOUS REQUESTSThe City of Altoona will not respond to anonymous or AI generated requests for records. Requestors must provide current date, valid name, address, phone number and email address. RESPONSEThe City will respond to your request in the manner required by the Act. FEESPaper copies - 25 cents per pageColor copies - 35 cents per pagePlus the actual cost for postage if mailing is requested. Certification is an additional charge of $3. 00 per document. Fees are payable to:City of Altoona Open Records Officer1301 12th Street, Suite 100Altoona, PA 16601If the fee associated with a Right-to-Know request is anticipated to be greater than $100. 00, the fee must be paid in advance before the City is obligated to distribute the records. APPEALSIf your request is denied follow the appeals process on the PA Open Records Website www. openrecords. pa. gov Open Records Policy PDF