Requests for Public Records
PaTTAN recognizes the importance of making public records available for review and inspection by members of the public. PaTTAN also recognizes the need to maintain confidentiality of certain records as required by law. PaTTAN shall make public records available for inspection and/or duplication in accordance with applicable law and the guidelines. All requests for public records must specifically identify and describe each record requested; include the date of the request, the requesters name, address, telephone number and signature; include a certification that the individual submitting the request is a United States resident; and, if duplication of records is requested, appropriate payment.
Official definition of "Record" from the Right-to-Know law
"Record" Information, regardless of physical form or characteristics, that documents a transaction or activity of an agency and that is created, received or retained pursuant to law or in connection with a transaction, business or activity of the agency. The term includes a document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photograph, film or sound recording, information stored or maintained electronically and a data processed or image- processed document.
Examples of Public Records Include:
911 Time Response Logs
Grant Applications
Contracts
Agreements
Agency Decisions
Name, Title, Salary of Public Employees and Officials
Other ways PaTTAN can assist you if your request does not meet the definition or examples
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Record Request Fee Structure
Per the guidelines of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records, fees have been established for costs related to providing requested public records, including those for copying and postage. As prescribed by the Office of Open Records, "No fee may be imposed for an agency's review of a record to determine whether the record is a public record, legislative record or financial record subject to access in accordance with this Act. No fee may be charged for searching for or retrieval of documents. An agency may not charge staff time or salary for complying with a 'Right to Know' request."
PaTTAN's Public Records Request Fee Structure
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law Information
Pennsylvania Office of Open Records
Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law
Right to Know Contact Info
Submit a Right to Know Request
If you are unable to complete the form online, please download PaTTAN's Record Request Form to complete and submit via FAX or mail.
Submit RtK Request Online