Teresa Shaak

Q: A local agency requires citizens to notify the agency 48 hours in advance and get permission if they plan to record public meetings. The policy also threatens criminal sanctions under the Pennsylvania Wiretap Act if a citizen records a public meeting without permission.  Is that consistent with the law? A: No, the Sunshine Act…

Q: I filed a Right-to-Know request asking to inspect records. I want to look at the records to help me decide which are most relevant, and to reduce copy fees. The agency granted my request but is charging redaction and hourly staff time fees for an employee to watch over me while I review the…

Q: I’d like to review emergency time response logs from our county dispatch center related to fire, police and EMS. When I requested access, the dispatch agency said 911 and other emergency response records are exempt under the Right-to-Know Law. Is that right? A: No, the RTKL expressly requires public access to emergency dispatch time…