FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 4, 2007
CONTACT: Erik Arneson
earneson@pasen.gov
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Sen. Pileggi Pledges Open Records Expansion

Agenda and Testimony

HARRISBURG -- Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi (R-9) today issued the following statement following a public hearing on Senate Bill 1, his legislation to strengthen and clarify Pennsylvania's Open Records Act (also known as the Right-to-Know Law). 

"Since introducing Senate Bill 1, I've heard from many people who believe that the legal presumption should be that a government record is public unless it meets an exception specifically listed in law. That position was also advocated by several of those who testified at today's public hearing. 

"I am now convinced that we should reverse the presumption in Pennsylvania's law, despite concerns that doing so could lead to an increase in litigation and delay the benefit from strengthening our Open Records Act. 

"Reversing the presumption is a major change, and we need to carefully balance the right of citizens to review records with the need for appropriate exceptions to protect legitimate interests. Developing the list of exceptions should involve input from a wide spectrum of interested parties. 

"My goal is to work with Sen. Piccola and other members of the Senate, members of the House, Gov. Rendell, the Pennsylvania Newspaper Association and other organizations. I hope to prepare an amendment to Senate Bill 1 which can be offered in the State Government Committee as soon as possible." 

More information about Sen. Pileggi's legislation and other issues can be found at www.SenatorPileggi.com.