Holding government accountable via record access is not possible if the public is not well informed about how to request such information. The OOR is conducting a review of how agencies post Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) information on their websites. Specifically, the review will look at how an agency provides instructions to request information by reviewing a … Continue reading Review of RTKL Request Webpages
OOR is thrilled to share exciting changes. After 10 years with the office, Kyle Applegate is our new Chief Counsel. He replaces Charles Rees Brown, who retired after 10 years at OOR and more than 25 with the Commonwealth. Serving as Assistant Chiefs Counsel are Josh Young (seven years at OOR) and Magdalene Zeppos-Brown (six … Continue reading Kyle Applegate Is the OOR’s New Chief Counsel
The 2020 Annual Report is now posted. Some highlights: 2020 ranks as the second-busiest year ever for the OOR, with 2,764 appeals filed. Breakdown of who filed appeals in 2020: 43% citizens 37% companies 11% inmates 5% media 2% government officials 1% lawmakers 547 appeals involving state agencies; Department of Corrections tops the list at … Continue reading OOR’s 2020 Annual Report
On March 9, 2021, the OOR testified at a House State Government Committee hearing regarding how Right-to-Know requests were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Video of hearing OOR’s Written Testimony
On March 9 at 1:00, the OOR will be testifying at a House State Government Committee hearing regarding how RTKL requests were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The live stream should be available here: http://www.repgrove.com/LiveStreams
Hello, blog readers and fellow supporters of government transparency and accountability, As the newly appointed Executive Director I am honored to lead such a vital office in Pennsylvania. We should be eternally grateful for the work of my predecessor, Erik Arneson. From his critical involvement in the drafting the Right to Know Law to leading … Continue reading Greetings from Liz Wagenseller, Executive Director
Today (Mon., Jan. 11, 2021) at 2 p.m., I will host a webinar about the Right-to-Know Law designed for requesters, including members of the media and anyone interested in accessing government records in Pennsylvania. This webinar will be held via Zoom. You can find all the details you need to join on the OOR’s training … Continue reading Today at 2 p.m. – RTKL Webinar for Requesters
The OOR’s Citizens’ Guide to the Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act is an introduction to these two laws, both of which promote government transparency. The Citizens’ Guide has been completely rewritten and the new version is available now. The RTKL, also known as the open records law, grants access to public records. The Sunshine Act, … Continue reading New Citizens’ Guide to the RTKL and Sunshine Act
The Office of Open Records has posted two new draft sample forms and is seeking public comment on both. The Right-to-Know Law and other statutes make various records public, including certain records from law enforcement agencies and county coroners. The OOR often dockets appeals involving these types of records. In an effort to help these … Continue reading 2 New Draft Sample Forms for Public Comment
Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law gives county District Attorneys the responsibility of appointing an appeals officer to decide RTKL appeals “relating to access to criminal investigative records in possession of a local agency of that county.” District Attorneys have been doing this since the RTKL went into effect at the start of 2009. Until now, there has … Continue reading OOR to Post Final Determinations from District Attorneys
| Docket | Date | Title | County | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20210762 | 05/12/2021 | Eugene Goebel v. Garnet Valley School District | Delaware | Partially Granted: Moot |
| 20210847 | 05/11/2021 | Megan Lessman v. Snyder County | Snyder | Dismissed: Incomplete |
| 20210785 | 05/11/2021 | David Berger and Norris McLaughlin, PA v. Allentown City | Lehigh | Partially Granted/Partially Denied |
| 20210455 | 05/11/2021 | Kevin Dorsey v. Buckingham Township | Bucks | Denied |
| 20210437 | 05/11/2021 | Chris Lowman and Noble Environmental v. West Mifflin Sanitary Sewer Municipal Authority | Allegheny | |
| 20210357 | 05/11/2021 | Christine Sciulli v. Downingtown Area School District | Chester | |
| 20210797 | 05/10/2021 | Ernest Thomas v. Lebanon County | Lebanon | Denied |
| Date | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| May 12, 2021, 10:00 AM | RTKL Payment Issues Webinar | |
| May 19, 2021, 10:00 AM | Preparing Good Affidavits Webinar | |
| May 26, 2021, 10:00 AM | Records Management and Electronic Best Practices for State Government Webinar | |
| May 27, 2021, 9:30 AM | Pennsylvania Treasury Department | |
| June 9, 2021, 10:00 AM | Laws That Protect Information Webinar | |
| June 16, 2021, 10:00 AM | Basics of the Right-to-Know Law Webinar |
Microsoft Outlook
Google Calendar
Apple iCalendar