The Office of Open Records (OOR) recently issued an email notice to agency open records officers in response to inquiries about a number of appeals related to Right to Know requests that originated with the FOIA Buddy website. What is FOIA Buddy FOIA Buddy purports to offer a service to “simplify the process of requesting public records.” It appears that one can submit records … [Read more...] about OOR Highlights Concerns Regarding Right to Know Requests
Right To Know
Right To Know Law Compliance More Costly as 2021 Begins
On December 22, 2020, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court issued a decision (Uniontown Newspaper, et al v. PA Dept of Cor.) addressing Agency obligations and the sanction provisions contained in the Right To Know Law. On the same day, the Office of Open Records also revised their fee schedule. The decision is instructive to public agencies to ensure a good faith search is completed. The case began … [Read more...] about Right To Know Law Compliance More Costly as 2021 Begins
Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
Government directives to close schools and non-essential businesses, and the current statewide stay-at-home directive limit the ability of public entities to respond to (Right to Know) requests for public records. Here is a summary of legal obligations during this time. Agencies should continue to process and respond to Right to Know request to the extent possible. The agency’s initial … [Read more...] about Ensuring Government Transparency Under Right to Know During COVID-19
