passopenrecords.org

The Pennsylvania Newspaper Association recently sent the following email to all state legislators.

The Pennsylvania Newspaper Association is compiling a list of lawmakers who support improving the state’s Open Records Law. We will display the list on our blog: www.passopenrecords.org.

A strong open records law would include the following components:

1. Acknowledgment that records belong to the public

2. Improved definition of ‘public record’ and a presumption of access to public records

3. Burden of proof on the agency denying access

4. A broader definition of ‘agency’ that includes the Legislature, state-related universities and organizations that rely principally on state funding

5. Creation of an administrative appeals office/office of access

6. Meaningful penalties for open records law violations

Three bills have been introduced to change the open records law. Sen. Dominic Pileggi’s Senate Bill 1, Sen. Jim Ferlo’s Senate Bill 765, and Rep. Tim Mahoney’s House Bill 443.

Have your name added to the list of supporters by simply responding to this email and saying you are a supporter.

Also, please go to www.passopenrecords.org, where you can see and be part of a statewide discussion on the issue.