OPEN RECORDS OFFICE STARTS TO FORM
Terry Mutchler
Terry Mutchler, executive director of Pennsylvania's new Office of Open Records, is at work hiring staff and meeting people around the state. → READ MORE
PENNSYLVANIANS WILL HAVE NEW RIGHT TO KNOW
Beginning Jan. 1, 2009, Pennsylvania will be operating under a new open-records law, which will greatly expand public access to a wide array of government records.
The new law establishes that all records kept by the government are presumed to be open to the public, with some exceptions. It also puts the burden of proving why a record should not be released on government agencies.
The state's new Office of Open Records, under the direction of executive director Terry Mutchler, is now being staffed. The office hopes to have its website up by the end of September, and is in the process of writing its rules and regulations.
The new law goes into effect on Jan. 1, 2009, but records from prior years will be newly available as of that date.
READ STORIES ABOUT THE NEW LAW
If you're interested in improving public access to state and local government in Pennsylvania, get familiar with what's being discussed, and get in touch with your lawmakers to let them know what you think.
PaFOIC HOSTS FORUMS
The Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition hosted three public forums on open records this fall. Read about the discussion at the University of Pittsburgh, State College, and Camp Hill.
OUR MISSION
The Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition works to give all Pennsylvanians access to their federal, state and local governments, their records and their proceedings.
We believe that such access results in the most responsive, accountable and effective government, stimulating civic involvement and trust in government.
We seek to help all Pennsylvanians fully realize their rights and carry out their responsibilities as citizens in our democracy.
OUR WORK
Education: Through seminars and publications, we educate citizens, groups and government officials about the importance of open government to democracy and how they can use their rights to get public records.
Law reform: We monitor proposed state and federal laws, regulations and court decisions. We provide information to state officials and encourage discussion of open government improvements in Pennsylvania. To the extent allowed by our nonprofit status, we support reforms affecting public records.
Legal support: We provide resource material to citizens or groups who encounter difficulty in obtaining public records. In open government cases of state-wide importance, we help citizens obtain vigorous legal representation.
