Pennsylvania's new Right-to-Know Law took effect January 1, 2009. The law concerns public access to records at public institutions and government agencies. The most significant change is that the burden of proof is now on the institution or agency to show why a record should not be released; there are 31 categories of records exempted under this law. The new law does not overrule existing laws such as FERPA or HPPA that limit access to certain records.

While many community colleges (including HACC) have followed the spirit of the law in the past, they are explicitly required to comply with the new Right-to-Know Law.

What does this mean for you? You should know some of the most important provisions of the law before submitting a request.

• How: Requests must be in writing via either hard-copy or e-mail. Download the request form as a PDF File or request one through the Public Relations Office.
• Please note that transcript requests are not covered under the Right To Know Law.  Find how to request a transcript here.   GED Transcripts are also not covered under this law.  Check here for GED information and to get the form you need.
• What: Requests for information must be specific as to the record(s) desired. You do not have to give a reason for the request.
• Who: Requests must be submitted to the Open Records Officer:

Thomas Fogarty

Executive Director, Procurement and Business Services, One HACC Drive Harrisburg, PA 17110 tjfogart@hacc.edu PHONE - 221-1300 x 1640 FAX - 717-901-4625

• When: A response to the request will be issued within five business days from the time it is received by the Open Records Officer.
• How much: You may be charged duplication and postage fees in keeping with standards set by the Office of Open Records. Prepayment may be required if fees are expected to exceed $100.
• Where: For more information about the new Right to Know Law, visit http://openrecords.state.pa.us

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