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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 28, 2007
CONTACT:
Carol Maravic
717-787-6725
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Orie Votes for Reform Bill to Improve Pennsylvania's Open Records Law

State residents will gain greater access to government records under legislation approved today by the state Senate, according to Senator Jane Orie (R-Allegheny), who strongly supported the measure.  

Senate Bill 1 would revamp and strengthen the state's Open Records Law, which has not been significantly changed since its passage in 1957. 

"We made this bill our number one priority because we are committed to giving taxpayers more information about the government operations that they fund through tax dollars," Orie said.  "A stronger open records law will ensure that all levels of government are accountable to the people they serve."

The legislation would make a key change in the current law by adding a "presumption" that all records from Commonwealth agencies and local agencies are public unless they fall under a specific exception established in the law. The exceptions allow certain records to remain private, such as Social Security numbers, medical records, records that would threaten domestic security, and police investigative records.

"This is an extremely important in strengthening the law because the burden of proof is no longer on the individual who is trying to gain access to the information," Orie said.  "The information is considered public unless the government can prove that it meets narrow exceptions."

Senate Bill 1 would also establish a state office that will be the first point of appeal for disputes and provide regular training to local, county and state officials on how the law is to be applied. The new Open Records Clearinghouse would be an independent entity within the Department of Community and Economic Development.

"We want to ensure that the Open Records Clearinghouse can operate independently, and will not be hampered by political concerns," Orie said.

Senate Bill 1 would also significantly improve Pennsylvania's current Open Records Law by:  

• Requiring state contracts, including contracts with the Legislature, to be posted online in a searchable database.
• Requiring the Open Records Clearinghouse to provide information, training and advisory opinions on the Open Records Law and Sunshine Law.
• Cutting the response period for state agencies from 10 days to 5 days.
• Improving the appeals process.
• Increasing penalties for noncompliance from $300 to $1,000 for a first offense, and up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses.
• Requiring all agencies to appoint an open records officer to specifically deal with requests, including coordination and tracking.
• Requiring the Open Records Clearinghouse to create a standard document which may be used to request records, making it easier for citizens.
• Requiring agencies to accept email requests.
• Establishing standard fees for photocopying records.
• Adding the judicial branch's financial records to the law.
• Clarifying that PHEAA is covered by the law.