Unleash Your Inner Pennsylvanian Sherlock: How to Cite the Right-to-Know Law Like a Boss
Ah, Pennsylvania. Land of cheesesteaks, liberty bells, and...the enigmatic Right-to-Know Law (RTKL). This legal gem grants you, my friend, the power to unearth a treasure trove of government information, from pesky potholes to that juicy council meeting where they debated the merits of scrapple vs. haluski (don't ask, it's a deep philosophical debate). But with great power comes great responsibility, and that includes knowing how to properly cite the RTKL when your quest for knowledge takes you down a scholarly path.
 |
| How To Cite Pennsylvania Right To Know Law |
Fear Not, Fellow Citizen!
Here's your cheat sheet to becoming a citation champion:
For the Legally Literate:
- Short and Sweet: Act 3 of 2008, P.L. 196, known as the Right-to-Know Law (65 P.S. § 67.101 et seq.) This is your go-to for academic papers and those times you want to sound fancy.
- Deep Dive: For a more comprehensive exploration, delve into the official Pennsylvania Office of Open Records website (https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/RTKL/About.cfm). Here you'll find the full text of the law, complete with legalese that might make your head spin, but hey, knowledge is power!
For the Time-Pressed Patriot:
- Need it Now?: Just pop "Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law" or "RTKL" in your citation. Everyone in the Keystone State knows what you're talking about.
Remember:
- Always double-check your specific citation style guide for any additional formatting requirements.
But Wait, There's More!
Understanding how to cite the RTKL is just the first step. Now you can use it to fight for your right to know about everything from dog park permit fees to the secret recipe for those addictive Tastykakes (probably not, but a man can dream!).
QuickTip: Revisit key lines for better recall.
Bonus Tip: When requesting information under the RTKL, be clear and specific. The more precise you are, the faster you'll get the information you crave.
Frequently Asked Questions for the Aspiring Information Sleuth
How to request information under the RTKL?
Simple! Contact the agency directly using their online form, email, or even good old-fashioned snail mail.
QuickTip: Use CTRL + F to search for keywords quickly.
How long do I have to wait for a response?
 |
Agencies have five business days to respond to your request, though they can ask for an extension with a valid reason.
How much does it cost to file a RTKL request?
QuickTip: Note key words you want to remember.
There's usually no charge for standard requests. But if the agency needs to spend a lot of time copying or redacting documents, they might charge a reasonable fee.
What if the agency denies my request?
Don't fret! You have the right to appeal the decision to the Office of Open Records.
Tip: Highlight what feels important.
How can I learn more about the RTKL?
The PA Office of Open Records website is your best friend: https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/RTKL/About.cfm
So there you have it! With this knowledge in your arsenal, you're well on your way to becoming a champion of open government in Pennsylvania. Now get out there and shine a light on the inner workings of your local municipality – just remember, responsible knowledge is the best kind (especially when it comes to figuring out where the best cheesesteaks are hiding).
 |
