Right to know law request. On February 14, 2008, Act 3 of 2008 (65 P.
Right to know law request The scheme is named after Clare Wood, who was murdered by her abusive ex-boyfriend in Information on how to file a Right to Know request can be found here . The idea of Right to Know Day sprang from a meeting of information access advocates in Bulgaria in 2002. §67. How to File a Request A requester can file a Right-to-Know request in four ways: in person, e-mail, postal mail, and fax. The OOR’s standard Right-to-Know request form hasn’t been updated since 2013. The Mission of the Office of Open Records is to implement and enforce the state's Right-to-Know Law (RTKL) and serve as a source for citizens, agencies, public officials and members of the media in obtaining public records of their government. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania RIGHT TO KNOW LAW Act 3 of 2008 [Download as a . Maryland's Public Information Act (PIA) grants the people of this State a broad right of access to public records while protecting legitimate governmental interests and the privacy rights of individual citizens. The Right-to-Know Law promotes government transparency and discourse with the public by ensuring public access to information created, accepted, or obtained by any public agency. §§ 67. Standard Right-To-Know Law Request Form denotes required fields. 101) was passed into law amending the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (Act). The Right to Know Law gives individuals the right to access information held by government agencies, private companies, and non-profit organizations. Timeline: 5 business days: the amount of time an open-records officer typically has to acknowledge and respond to your request for a record. Is it a Meeting? Use this flow chart to determine whether a gathering is a "meeting" subject to the law. 101 et seq about law enforcement matters should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office. The New Hampshire Attorney General's Office has published a comprehensive memorandum regarding the Right to Know Law. Citizens can request information directly from agency open records officers. The Holder Memo is part of series of policy memos on how federal agencies should apply FOIA exemptions. He represents Pennsylvania municipalities, municipal authorities and schools in responding to Right to Know Law requests and assists private clients who use the Right to Know Law to request documents from state and local government agencies. Raymond NH 03077 Right To Know Request Form (Fillable PDF form) View the NH Right-To-Know law (RSA 91-A). All RTKL requests received by the York County Office of Open Records during periods that the Office is closed, after business hours, weekends, during emergency events and Holidays shall be dated as received on the next business day that the York County Office of Open Records is open to the public. Right-to-know requests should be made in writing to the person who is the custodian of the records being sought. 504(a)) Purdon's Pennsylvania Legislative Service, No. ) Written requests need not include an explanation why information is sought or the intended use of the information unless otherwise required by law. (Section 703. Oct 24, 2018 · Background and Facts: On January 15, 2021, Michael Mellon, Esq. Optional Right To Know Request Form This form is not mandatory, however may be completed by citizens wishing to submit a Right To Know request. Standard Right-to-Know Law Request Form Please read carefully. Form updated Nov. Right to Know Law Procedures for Responding to Requests. Click here to read all of New Hampshire’s right-to-know law, RSA 91-A. J. Under this statute, public records of the City of Pittsburgh are generally available to citizens who request them. Specifically, OPRA is intended to: Expand the public’s right of access to government records; Mar 11, 2024 · Yes. Clare’s Law, also known as the Domestic Violence Disclosure Scheme (DVDS) is a police policy giving people the right to know if their current or ex-partner has any previous history of violence or abuse. Right to Know Form We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Pennsylvania's right-to-know law ensures transparency by providing public access to government records. 1 (2008), proposes to add 101 Pa. 437. 11. – 12 p. 11, 20201 – PPTX; Right-to-Know Law for Requesters – Jan. How to make a right-to-know request. Email: right-to-know@allentownpa. NHMA Resources. Complete this form thoroughly and retain a copy; it is required provided for in this Act, the request must be in writing. When submitting a request to the Agency, always retain a copy for your file. Use additional sheets if necessary. 101-67. gov; Mailing Address: City Of Allentown, ATTN: Right-to-Know Designee, 435 W. §§ 9101-9183. Requesters are not required to explain why the records are sought or the intended use of the records unless otherwise required by law. The entire session is available to watch on the OOR’s YouTube channel and both of the presentations are available here:State Ethics Commission Presentation (PDF)Office of Open … May 29, 2019 · Francis J. Explore your Right to Know to discover the importance of government-held information and its use as a national resource. Request for Records: Right-to-Know Law 65 P. Maryland Public Information Act. Please note that any day on which the Upper Darby Township Municipal Building is closed shall not count towards the statutory deadline for responding to a request for records. The entire session is available to watch on the OOR’s YouTube channel and both of the presentations are available here:State Ethics Commission Presentation (PDF)Office of Open … Mar 17, 2023 · The nonprofit provides free guidance on filing a right-to-know request, trainings on using the law, and court rulings that protect the public’s right to governmental records and meetings. Only requests for information pursuant to Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (“RTKL”), 65 P. 8701; In person: Drop Box labeled “Right-to-Know” in the lobby of City Hall The Commonwealth Court held that a state properly denied a request for the birthdates of all Pennsylvania state employees under the Right to Know Law’s personal security exemption because the agency was able to present evidence demonstrating an increased likelihood of identity theft, fraud, and phishing scams if the birthdates were released. Any citizen may also request access to inspect the records being held by Visit the NH General Court website to read the full text of the Right to Know Law. Feel free to request a specific training session for your group or organization. Complete this form and retain a copy of both pages; this copy may be required if an appeal is filed. As stated above, the Act governs the rights of the public to inspect and obtain copies of public records. 6, 14, No. If you have questions about submitting a PSP right-to-know request, call the PSP Right-to-Know Law Office at 1-877-785-7771. Today, it is a global event where we recognise that a free flow of information is critical for innovation and development. Related Services The State Police stand ready to assist residents and our partner law enforcement agencies. Generally, the Right-to-Know law defines what documents are “public records” and requires that all these documents must be shared when someone makes a written request. 47:1A-1 et seq. Under the noncriminal investigation exemption of the Right-to-Know Law, OOR has found that records included within the PHRC’s investigative file are not subject to Right-to-Know (regardless of your relation to the complaint). A. Pennsylvania's Right-To-Know law provides public information through agency open records officers. The following outlines the basic provisions of the RTKL and the procedures for making a request for records: The Right to Know Law is essential for upholding democratic values and ensuring that the government operates in the best interest of the people it serves. Jan 8, 2021 · Citizens' Guide to the Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act (updated Jan. 390, No. Section 708(b)(10) exempts: RIGHT TO KNOW/OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS. The Right To Know request form below can be submitted by: Email: rtkinfo@raymondnh. pdf] Feb 14, 2008 · Notwithstanding 1 Pa. 8, 2021). 212), referred to as the Right-to-Know Law, shall be deemed a reference to this act. m. RTKL requests should seek records, not ask questions. In most cases, a The PHRC does not release records relating to a complaint filed with it through the Right-to-Know Law. Catania is a partner in the Media, PA, law firm of Catania & Parker, LLP, and has been practicing law for over 30 years. ) for a round-up of the major decisions and happenings with Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act. 3104, and the Criminal History Record Information Act, 18 Pa. The Right to Know process is a way in which someone can request documents from any state or local government agency. Get tips for composing your right-to-know request. pa. NOTE: In most cases, a completed RTKL request form is a public record. If the information requested is a "public record" under common law and the requestor has a legally recognized interest in thesubject matter contained in the material, then the material must be disclosed if the individual's right of access outweighs the State's interest in preventing Jan 11, 2021 · Right-to-Know Law Basics The basic RTKL process: •Requester submits request to state or local agency Request must seek records, not ask questions •Agency responds: grant, deny, or mix of both •If request is denied (even in part), requester can appeal to OOR •OOR issues a binding final determination Notwithstanding 1 Pa. Right to Know. NH RSA 91-A, also known as the Right-to-Know Law, establishes a person’s right of access to the records of public bodies and public agencies, including the Department of Health & Human Services. Mar 20, 2025 · Right-to-Know Law for Requesters – Jan. The official Pennsylvania Open Records website can also provide valuable information for residents interested in state record requests as well. The Right To Know law is designed to guarantee that the public has access to public records of governmental agencies in Pennsylvania. ) Jan 1, 2009 · The Right-to-Know Law requires that the City of Philadelphia act upon each non-anonymous written request when such request is made in person, by mail, by fax, or by email. To download the Law Enforcement Recording Request Form – Act 22 of 2017, please click here . gov Standard Right-to-Know Law Request Form . Feb 26, 2020 · Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law gives the Office of Open Records the duty to “develop a uniform [request] form which shall be accepted by all Commonwealth and local agencies” (Section 505(a)). The public's right to information about government activities lies at the heart of a democratic government. (RTKL), the Department of Community and Economic Development (“Agency”) sets forth the following policies, process and procedures, regarding responses by the Agency to requests made pursuant to the RTKL, in addition to complying with the policies set forth in The NH Right-to-Know Law promotes government transparency and discourse with the public by ensuring public access to information created, accepted, or obtained by any public agency. More information about the RTKL is available at https://www. You have 15 business days to appeal after a request is denied or deemed denied. The right to know if your partner has an abusive past. “The ‘resources’ section of the evolving web page is not intended to be a general forum for the posting of varied information which may be of value to those interested in the application of RSA 91-A Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know Law ("RTKL") can be an effective tool of government transparency, so that Pennsylvanians can request and receive records from state and local governments showing precisely what the government is doing. Email or Address Line 1, City Right to Know Law The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law and procedures are available here. C. The following fields are required: First and Last Name are required. If your request for access to a government record has been denied or unfilled within the seven (7) business days required by law, you have a right to challenge the decision by the Township to deny access. Department of Justice (DOJ) has announced how the executive branch should approach FOIA, its application, and DOJ's defense of Right-to-Know Law. and the Defender Association of Philadelphia (collectively “Requester”) submitted a Right to Know Law Request to the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (“SEPTA”) seeking “the names, ranks, and badge numbers” of all SEPTA police officers who asked for time off on January 6, 2021–the day a crowd entered The Right to Know Law is Pennsylvania's Open Records Law. Yesterday morning the Executive Directors of the Pennsylvania State Ethics Commission and Office of Open Records joined together for a virtual training on the Ethics Act and Right-to-Know Law. The Right-to-Know Law does not require that the City of Philadelphia act upon an oral request, and the City of Philadelphia shall refuse to accept oral requests. 3) (65 P. Data Request Form ; RSA 91-A Law The Right to Know Law RSA 91-A:4 grants all citizens the right to access public records. OPRA is the State statute that replaces the old “Right to Know Law” which governs the public’s access to government records in New Jersey. In all events, should such records exist, they are entirely exempt from public disclosure under the Right-to-Know Law, 65 P. Complete this form thoroughly and retain a copy; it may be required if an appeal is filed. Law Enforcement Related Right-to-Know (RTK) Requests. Any RTK request will be followed up on by contact from a Town of Raymond representative. Deputy Chief Counsel Magdalene Zeppos-Brown provided the legal analysis. Click to view and request records through the open records officer. To obtain access to DEP information under the Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), you can complete the online form at the link above (you will receive a confirmation email when submitted) or fill out OOR’s form at the PA Office of Open Records link below and email or mail it to the DEP Agency Open Records Officer ("AORO") at: Agency Open Pennsylvania achieves government accountability is through its “Right to Know” process. openrecords. § 67. Good communication is vital in the RTKL process. All Right to Know Law requests are to be submitted through our online portal. This How To Guide gives you step-by-step instructions for accessing a public record by submitting a right to know request. An individual may make a verbal, written or anonymous verbal or write request for access to a . nh. On February 14, 2008, Act 3 of 2008 (65 P. As of November 18, 2024, this exemption has been cited in 1,270 OOR appeals. The law is compiled in the statutes as N. 27, 2018 More information about the RTKL is available at https://www. To require use of a form, an agency must first have a publicly posted policy requiring the use of a form for RTKL requests and make that form readily available. For additional information concerning the Right to Know Law (Open Records: Act 3 of 2008), go to: Pennsylvania Office of Open Records. Hamilton Street, Room 519, Allentown, PA 18101; Fax: 610. 101 et seq. Yes, I am also requesting the documents under common law. Visit the NH General Court website to read the full text of the Right to Know Law. Open Records Officer: Ronald Simonson Special Assistant to the Superintendent Allentown School District Jun 3, 2021 · Here’s an overview of the timeline as well as some tips for expediting your request when you make a request for public records under Pennsylvania’s Right to Know Law. Provide as much specific detail as possible, ideally including subject matter, time frame, and type of record or party names. Pursuant to Section 504 of the Right-to-Know Law, 65 P. (Section 702. The Right-to-Know law is a state law that aims to help people know and understand what their government is doing by allowing anyone to ask for and get most public records. L. If you are looking for records from any other Federal, State, or Local agency you may want to reach out to that specific agency for assistance. Decide the scope of your request: Decide what records you wish to inspect. S. It is often described as the law that keeps citizens in the know about their government. The law has been in effect since January 1, 2009. The Right-to-Know Law promotes government transparency and discourse with the public by ensuring public access to information created, accepted, or Right to Know. The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is a law that gives you the right to access information from the federal government. Imagine you want to know what is in your children’s curriculum, to see if it matches your own values. Feb 14, 2008 · View Document The Legislative Reference Bureau, under section 504(a) of the Right-to-Know Law, as enacted February 14, 2008 (P. to you within seven (7) business days of receiving a request, the failure to respond is a deemed denial of your request. 11, 20201 – PDF; The OOR regularly hosts webinars and in-person training sessions about various topics related to the Right-to-Know Law and the Sunshine Act. An agency can create its own form but must also accept the OOR’s Standard Right-to-Know Law Request Form. On January 1, 2009, a new Right to Know Law (the "RTKL") took effect in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. A copy of the request Request for Records: Right-to-Know Law 65 P. In honor of Sunshine Week 2025, join us in-person or virtually on March 17 (11 a. Entities wishing to submit a formal Right-To-Know request should email the New Hampshire Department of Education at RightToKnow@doe. Pennsylvania's Right To Know (RTK) Law. § 76. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES, therefore, should the Department’s response to this request be interpreted as indicating otherwise. However, it is also a complex law that contains strict deadlines and numerous exemptions. About Right to Know The NH Right-to-Know Law, RSA 91-A, establishes a person's right of access to the records of public bodies and public agencies, including the Offices of Professional Licensure and Certification This is the Right-To-Know Request form you should use: English version and Spanish version. (RTKL), the Department of Community and Economic Development (“Agency”) sets forth the following policies, process and procedures, regarding responses by the Agency to requests made pursuant to the RTKL, in addition to complying with the policies set forth in To submit a public records request to the Department of the Auditor General, complete the Department’s Right-to-Know Law Request Form, then follow the instructions below: To submit via email: Complete the form, click the download icon to save it to your computer, then attach the form to an email and send it to the Pennsylvania Department of Sep 20, 2023 · Right-to-Know Law Case Law Index, available on the OOR website. Key Takeaways. gov Fax: 603-895-7064 Postal Mail: Town Office (Attn: RTK) 4 Epping St. gov. § 1937(b) (relating to references to statutes and regulations), a reference in a statute or regulation to the act of June 21, 1957 (P. Prior to submitting your Right to Know request please ensure that you are seeking records from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Hatfield Township's Right to Know resolution is available here. Frequently asked questions about access to public records. The following outlines the basic provisions of the RTKL and the procedures for making a request for records: To navigate to specific sections of the law in the text of the law below, click on chapter or section titles in the Table of Contents. Nov 18, 2024 · Exemption 708(b)(10) describes certain internal records that may be withheld in response to a Right-to-Know Law request. Where one section of the law cites another section, those references are also navigable links. Standard Right-to-Know Law Request Form Good communication is vital in the RTKL process. Beginning in 1977 with Attorney General Griffin Bell, and continued by Attorney General William French Smith in 1981 and Attorney General Janet Reno in 1993, U. Code Chapter 31 (relating to Right-to-Know Law) as set forth in Annex A. rvm moqy ndfscsu mis vcq dyyka xxd bwj urk xxpoiz