Pennsylvania's Right-to-Know (RTK)
& Sunshine Act
The Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act are both designed to promote government transparency, but they address different aspects. The Right-to-Know Law focuses on public access to government records, while the Sunshine Act focuses on ensuring that government meetings are open to the public (it "shines the light" on the agency business - after all, it's funded by you, the taxpayer). See below for more explanation and helpful links.
For your benefit, we have produced a current-year calendar of all PA state agency meetings HERE
RIGHT TO KNOW LAW
The purpose of the RTK law is to grant the public the right to access and inspect government records. It applies to a wide range of government agencies, including the executive branch, local agencies, and the court system's financial records. Individuals can file a request to obtain specific documents or information held by a government agency. The agency is then obligated to provide access to those records unless they are exempt under the law
THE SUNSHINE ACT
The Sunshine Act requires government agencies to hold public meetings when deliberating or taking official action. Agencies must provide public notice of meetings, including the time, place, and agenda. Meetings must be open to the public, allowing for observation and, in many cases, public comment. While the OOR does not directly enforce the Sunshine Act, it provides training and resources related to the law. You can read more HERE.
SUNSHINE ACT VIOLATION
Anyone attending a public meeting can object to a perceived violation at any time during the meeting.
Additionally, for state agencies, a member of the public can file a legal challenge with the Commonwealth Court. For local agencies, a member of the public can file a legal challenge with the local Court of Common Pleas.
Rock the Capital has filed hundreds of Right-to-Know requests with over a dozen PA state agencies since 2005
Rock the Capital is doing hard work for Pennsylvania citizens. It takes tremendous time and resources to keep our state agencies accountable to the taxpayers and to the law. We will not stop fighting for you and for a fair and transparent Pennsylvania government. We are helping them to be accountable and good stewards of the money you work diligently to make and send to them via taxes.