The bill amends the Right-to-Know Law in Pennsylvania, specifically focusing on the procedures for submitting written requests for access to public records. It introduces new provisions that allow requests to be submitted through various means, including in person, by mail, email, facsimile, or other electronic methods as determined by agency rules. The bill mandates that written requests must clearly identify or describe the records sought with sufficient specificity, and it replaces the term "should" with "must" to emphasize the requirement for specificity. Additionally, it clarifies that requesters are not required to provide an explanation for their request unless mandated by law.

Furthermore, the bill establishes criteria for open-records officers to consider when determining if a request meets the specificity requirement. These criteria include the burden on the agency to review and redact records, potential harm to privacy or proprietary interests of third parties, and compliance with federal or state laws regarding record disclosure. The act is set to take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 1057 (Mar 19, 2025): P.L.6, No.3
Printer's No. 1057: P.L.6, No.3