Legal Hotline
LEGAL HOTLINE: (717) 703-3080
One of the PNA’s most popular services to our members is the free Legal 
Hotline. PNA members may call the hotline with any legal questions.
PNA attorneys routinely provide members with advice on HIPAA, open records, the state Sunshine Act, use of independent contractors, libel, telemarketing, copyrights, the Pennsylvania Shield Law and legal advertising. Many reporters from PNA member newspapers rely on PNA’s attorneys for quotes on stories involving legal issues.
Members may also contact PNA’s Media Law Counsel directly via email.
Legal Hotline: RTKL Fees
Q: What fees can an agency charge for records? A: It depends on the type of agency; the Office of Open Records sets the fee schedule for local and commonwealth agencies, while…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Firewood Ads
Q: Are there laws that govern ads for firewood? Does the law require firewood to be sold in cords or can advertisers use terms like “racks” and “truck loads?” A: Pennsylvania and…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Arrest and Search Warrant Records
Q: Which rules govern public access to arrest and search warrants and their supporting documentation, like affidavits of probable cause? A: Public access to arrest warrants and search warrants is governing by…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Access to Election Results
What are the rules regarding public access to election returns? The Pennsylvania Elections Code makes election returns public records. In counties that use electronic voting systems, public access to returns is governed…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Political Ads
Isn’t there a rule in Pennsylvania or federal law that restricts last-minute political ads? There is no federal law or regulation that prohibits last-minute political ads in newspapers, and provision of the…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Medical Marijuana Ads
Can we accept ads for medical marijuana under Pennsylvania’s new Medical Marijuana Act? Yes, although the Medical Marijuana Act imposes a number of restrictions on advertising and marketing medical marijuana, and requires…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Hemp and CBD Ads
Can we run ads for hemp and related products like CBD supplements and food additives? If so, are there any laws or regulations that we should consider? The law is unsettled at…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Contractor Ads
A reader called to complain about a contractor ad that appeared in our paper. The ad did not contain a contractor registration number, and the reader was unhappy with the work performed….
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Sunshine Act and Fired Employee Names
A borough fired an employee at a public meeting without disclosing the name. The council voted using the employee number only and cited concerns about employee privacy to support its position. Isn’t…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Right to Know Law
A car accident tragically resulted in a fatality, but the coroner has refused to provide the name of the deceased, citing an ongoing investigation. Does the Right to Know Law require public access to this…
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