How to File a Request

The first thing to do before filing a RTK request is to determine which Commonwealth or local agency is most likely to have the records you want. Next, determine who the Open Records Officer is (each agency is required to have one). More tips for filing effective RTK requests are available right here on our website.

How to File an Appeal

All appeals must be made in writing and must be submitted to the Office of Open Records within 15 business days from the mailing date of the Agency's response or the date that the request was deemed denied. If that timeframe expires before you provide the required information to the OOR, you lose your right to appeal and may need to file a new RTK request with the Agency.

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Regulations Under Development

The Office of Open Records ("OOR") is in the process of promulgating procedural regulations as authorized by Section 504(a) of the Right-to-Know Law ("RTKL"). Through these regulations, the OOR intends to provide greater clarity of the requirements of both agencies and requesters.

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Sunshine Act

The Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, 65 Pa.C.S. §§ 701-716, requires agencies to deliberate and take official action on agency business in an open and public meeting. It requires that meetings have prior notice, and that the public can attend, participate, and comment before an agency takes that official action.

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Training

The Office of Open Records ("OOR") conducts training on the Right-to-Know Law ("RTKL") at the request of groups that wish to learn about the application of the RTKL, including those seeking records and agencies responding to those requests. In addition, the OOR will often partner with various organizations or associations (such as the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, the Pennsylvania State Associations of Township Supervisors, or the Pennsylvania State Associations of Boroughs) to provide a presenter or panelist.

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Find an AORO

Look up a specific Agency Open Records Officer, or register a new Officer.

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Docket Date Title County Status
2018-2136 12/18/2018 Elliott v. Allegheny County Allegheny Withdrawn
2018-2131 12/18/2018 Stoltenberg v. Elizabeth Borough Allegheny Withdrawn
2018-2115 12/18/2018 O'Neill v. Pennsylvania Department of Corrections Commonwealth Withdrawn
2018-2074 12/18/2018 Kennedy v. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Commonwealth Dismissed: Moot
2018-2048 12/18/2018 Henning v. Jim Thorpe Area School District Carbon Dismissed: Untimely
2018-2023 12/18/2018 Marin v. City of Philadelphia City Council Philadelphia Withdrawn
2018-1916 12/18/2018 Falcetta v. Grove City Area School District Mercer Denied: Dismissed
Date Organization
January 23, 2019, 9:00 AM Lower Southampton Township AORO Training
January 23, 2019, 1:00 PM Lower Southampton Township Law Enforcement Training
March 11, 2019, 10:00 AM RTKL Training for Requesters -- Sunshine Week
April 16, 2019, 9:00 AM Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs
April 30, 2019, 9:00 AM Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs
May 21, 2019, 9:00 AM Pennsylvania State Association of Boroughs
View Full Training Calendar