Public Records Directory Blog

In the world of open government records, 2008 has been exciting year in Pennsylvania. In February 2008, the Governor of Pennsylvania, Ed Rendell, signed an open records bill which created the presumption that all government records are open to the public, absent a few exceptions. If a government agency refuses to make certain requested information public, then it is the government’s responsibility to show why the information should not be public. This law will officially go into effect on January 1, 2009.

In another step towards expanding public access to government records, a new Office of Open Records will also be opening in Pennsylvania in late 2008. Establishing an Open Records Office was mandated in Pennsylvania’s new open records law. This office will be an important resource in ensuring that the open records laws work in such a way that the public are able to receive the information to which they are entitled by law. The office will set policies, and it will also handle any disputes between citizens and government officials regarding access to the government records.

After interviewing 6 candidates, On April 24^th Governor Ed Rendell appointed an attorney and former journalist named Terry Mutchler to be the Executive Director of the Open Records Office. Mutchler will begin her new post in June 2008. Prior to being appointed to this new position, Terry Mutchler worked on public access issues for the state of Illinois as a public access counselor. Many in Pennsylvania are hopeful that her experience will be a great fit for the position of Executive Director. Ms. Mutchler’s role will require her to meet with government leaders, as well as citizens to ensure that there is fairness in open records.

For more information about and links to Pennsylvania public records, visit the Free Public Records Directory.