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Does PA have a Freedom of Information Act?

The FOI/PA generally provides that any person has a right of access to federal agency records, except to the extent that such records (or potions thereof) are protected from disclosure by one of nine exemptions or by one of three special law enforcement record exclusions.

Is Pennsylvania a right to know state?

Under Pennsylvania law, private entities that were created by a public body and perform a public function are considered public bodies and are subject to the Right to Know Law.

What is a RTK request?

The Pennsylvania Right to Know Law (“RTK Law”) provides that only requests for information about law enforcement matters should be directed to the District Attorney’s Office. The RTK Law and the relevant fee schedule may be found at the website for Pennsylvania’s Office of Open Records: http://openrecords.state.pa.us.

What information can be requested under Freedom of Information Act 2000?

The Act covers all recorded information held by a public authority. It is not limited to official documents and it covers, for example, drafts, emails, notes, recordings of telephone conversations and CCTV recordings.

How do I request a FOIA in PA?

How To File a Pennsylvania FOIA Request by Yourself

  1. Do thorough research on which agency holds the information you need.
  2. Find out who the agency open records officer (AORO) is and address your request to them.
  3. Fill out the RTK request form.
  4. Submit your request via fax, email, letter, or in person.

What are the 9 FOIA exemptions?

Exemptions

  • Exemption 1. Protects information that is properly classified in the interest of national security pursuant to Executive Order 12958.
  • Exemption 2. Protects records related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency.
  • Exemption 3.
  • Exemption 4.
  • Exemption 5.
  • Exemption 6.
  • Exemption 7.
  • Exemption 8.

Does PA have a right to work law?

Pennsylvania is not a right-to-work state. “Pennsylvania recognizes and will enforce union contracts calling for union shops (in which new hires must join the union within some specified period of time) and similar union security agreements,” according to Business and Labor Resources.

Is Pennsylvania an open record state?

Under the current RTKL, all state and local government agency records are presumed to be public.

What is a right to know request?

Under the Right to Know Law, all government records in the possession of a Commonwealth or Local Agency are presumed to be accessible by the public. This means that you may access any government records you request unless the agency is able to prove that the record you requested is not public under the law.

What information is exempt from a FOIA request?

Exemption 1: Information that is classified to protect national security. Exemption 2: Information related solely to the internal personnel rules and practices of an agency. Exemption 3: Information that is prohibited from disclosure by another federal law.

What can you ask for in a FOIA request?

A FOIA request can be made for any agency record. You can also specify the format in which you wish to receive the records (for example, printed or electronic form). The FOIA does not require agencies to create new records or to conduct research, analyze data, or answer questions when responding to requests.

What is a right to know request in PA?