PAGR * Lobbypalooza October 22, 2015 Erik Arneson, Executive (717)

Senate Bill 411 Commercial Requests Allows agencies to charge an hourly rate for commercial requests. Must be based on lowest-paid employee capable of processing the request. Fees can be appealed to the OOR.

Senate Bill 411 Inmate Requests Establishes categories of records available to inmates. Inmates must use other policies before RTKL. “Inmate” does not include pre-trial detainee.

Senate Bill 411 Home Addresses One provision establishes a process for agency employees to object to release of home addresses. Separate provision exempts home addresses of most state & local government employees.

Senate Bill 411 Requests Related to Civil Litigation Allows agencies to deny requests by a party to litigation when the request:  Is material to a pending civil action; or  Was previously made in discovery.

Senate Bill 411 Records Presented to Agency Quorum Clarifies that records presented to a quorum for deliberation are public, regardless of whether a vote occurs at the meeting.

Senate Bill 411 Volunteer Fire & EMS Companies Clarifies that volunteer fire & EMS companies are not “agencies” under RTKL. Currently, they are “agencies” in all but about five counties, where Courts of Common Pleas have ruled they are not.

Senate Bill 411 Victim Information Establishes that “the home address of the individual who accesses emergency dispatch” is not public. Defines “time response log.”

Senate Bill 411 Final Safety Inspection Reports Clarifies that “final safety inspection reports” are available for public review.

Senate Bill 411 State-Related Universities Dramatically expands financial and statistical data available from TEMPLE*, Penn State, Pitt and Lincoln. All information will be available online. * Temple University’s football team is currently 6-0, ranked #22 in the country.

Senate Bill 411 Appeals Process at OOR Increased flexibility for Appeals Officers.  More time for complex appeals. Clarifies ability to conduct in camera reviews. Does not address issue of Executive Director.

Other Legislation 20+ Other Bills Introduced Other approaches to home addresses. Birth dates, Social Security Numbers. Commercial requesters. Information re: 911 calls. Records available in public bargaining.

THANK YOU Erik Arneson, Executive (717)