PNA, Oct. 30

Office of Open Records Web site is up and running

Have you checked out the Web site of Pennsylvania’s new Office of Open Records? If not, you'll definitely want to visit it at http://openrecords.state.pa.us.

As you’ll see on the Web site, the mission of the Office of Open Records (OOR) is to enforce the state’s Right-to-Know Law and to serve as a resource for citizens, public officials and members of the media in obtaining public records of their government. The Office’s executive director, Terry Mutchler, includes an introductory message on the OOR home page, emphasizing the importance of open government. She writes that:

"Ensuring open and honest government is a bedrock principle of democracy. It can only be attained through the unfettered exchange of information between citizens and their government. A citizen’s right-to-know, sometimes known as freedom of information, fosters accountability, prevents abuses of power and promotes trust in government."

The OOR Web site is a “must-bookmark” page for anyone interested in access to public records in Pennsylvania. It currently includes the text of the Right to Know Law, a list of frequently asked questions, a Right to Know request form and various guides for state and local agencies. In the future, it will also contain detailed fee and appeals information, contact information for all agency open records officers, agency decisions and advisory opinions.

As explained on the site, the OOR is working to establish interim guidelines and a statement of policy that will outline rules and regulations regarding open records appeals. Those will be available shortly and will serve as guidance until the formal regulations are approved during the 2009-2010 Legislative session. There will be an opportunity for public comment and input before the regulations are published in final form. The PNA will participate in that process, and we encourage our members to participate as well.

The OOR will also establish fees for duplication and will have a fee structure available in the near future. We'll be sure to keep you posted on any future developments. In the meantime, please feel free to call the legal hotline at (717) 703-3080 if you have any questions.

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