Radio Smart Talk for Friday, September 16:

A Commonwealth Court ruling earlier this year has created somewhat of a barrier for Pennsylvanians to obtain records and information under the state's right-to-know law.  The Court cited the legislation that was enacted in 2008 when it ruled that citizens who appeal an agency's denial of a records request must answer every specific reason the government gives in the denial. 

Consequently, individuals may be put at a disadvantage when trying to respond, especially if the denial is complicated technically or legally.

The ruling has had an impact on an open records law that for the past three years was considered one of the best in the country.  The right-to-know law puts the burden on government to prove records aren't open to the public as opposed to the state's old law that forced citizens or media to show why public documents should be made available.

Appearing on Friday's Radio Smart Talk to discuss the law and transperancy in government are Terry Mutchler, the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records and Craig Staudenmaier, an attorney who has argued right-to-know cases for media and general counsel for the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition.

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