March 09, 2022
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You're invited! A free Q&A on Pa.'s open records law and how it affects our work · Spotlight PA - Spotlight PA

Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know law allows requesters to obtain public records from local and state government agencies, but it's far from perfect.
TIM TAI / Philadelphia Inquirer

Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan newsroom powered by The Philadelphia Inquirer in partnership with PennLive/The Patriot-News, TribLIVE/Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, and WITF Public Media. Sign up for our free newsletters.

Spotlight PA fights hard to keep Pennsylvania’s local and state governments accountable. Often, this fight includes wrestling with the limits of the open records law and endlessly filing Right-to-Know requests to get documents and information from elected officials.

The Right-to-Know Law, established in 2008, allows requesters to obtain public records from local and state government agencies such as police and health departments, city councils, and courts. It’s a valuable reporting tool, and in theory, offers all residents the chance to see how government works (or doesn’t). But it’s far from perfect, and loopholes and exceptions can turn otherwise straightforward requests into drawn-out lawsuits.

Join us during Sunshine Week for a free virtual Q&A on government transparency in Pennsylvania. Our reporters and other experts will break down their coverage, explain the limits of the records law, and inform you how you can file open records requests.

When: Wednesday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Where: Zoom. RSVP for free here.

Who:

  • Danielle Ohl, investigative reporter for Spotlight PA

  • Angela Couloumbis, capitol reporter for Spotlight PA

  • Jamie Martines, health reporter for Spotlight PA

  • Paula Knudsen Burke, attorney for Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

  • Other panelists to be announced

Submit your questions in advance to [email protected].

» Spotlight PA’s events operate on a “pay-what-you-can” honor system. If you value this public-service event, pay it forward and contribute any amount to Spotlight PA now so we can keep our programming free for everyone: spotlightpa.org/donate.



source: https://www.spotlightpa.org/news/2022/03/right-to-know-pa-panel-transparency/

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