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: 911 Recordings and Transcripts
Q: Are 911 call recordings and transcripts public records under the Right to Know Law? A: The Right to Know Law allows agencies to deny access to 911 audio recordings and transcripts,…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Act 22 and Law Enforcement Recordings
Q: Are police dash camera videos public records under the Right to Know Law? A: No, Act 22 of 2017 removed law enforcement audio and video recordings from the Right to Know Law…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Sunshine Law and Generic Voting
Q: A school board has been voting using nonspecific language such as “we vote to approve items 1-10 on the agenda.” There’s not always an agenda provided and when one is distributed,…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Hemp and CBD Ads 2020
Q: 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? A: The law is…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Juror Identity
Q. Are the names and addresses of jurors impaneled in a criminal trial public? Isn’t the jury array already a public record? A. The jury array is a public record as are…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Settlements and Confidentiality Clause
Q: Are settlement agreements involving public agencies considered public records? Can an agency rely upon a confidentiality clause in a settlement agreement to deny access? A: Settlement agreements between public agencies and…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Sunshine Recording Limit
Q: A local agency is considering a policy that would prohibit recording public meetings where no vote is scheduled to take place and would require registration at least 48 hours in advance…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Redaction Fees
Q: I filed a Right-to-Know request seeking to inspect records. I want to inspect the records before requesting copies to help me decide which records are most relevant and to reduce copy…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Organizational Meetings
Q: A local borough council member told me they won’t be holding an organizational meeting in January, and they are the only borough in my area not holding one. Aren’t boroughs required…
Read MoreLegal Hotline: Arrest and Search Warrant Records – Updated
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…
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