Define: Right-To-Know Act

The Right-To-Know Act is a law that grants individuals the right to access and obtain public records held by government agencies.

You can request a wide range of records, including government contracts, meeting minutes, financial records, emails, and other documents that are considered public records.

To make a request, you typically need to submit a written request to the relevant government agency. Some agencies may have specific forms or procedures that need to be followed.

Yes, there are certain exemptions and limitations under the Right-To-Know Act that allow government agencies to deny access to certain records. However, they must provide a valid legal reason for the denial.

Yes, if your request is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. Each state may have its own appeal process, which usually involves filing a complaint with a designated appeals board or agency.

Yes, government agencies may charge fees for providing copies of requested records. However, these fees are usually limited to the cost of reproduction and not excessive.

The timeframe for response varies by jurisdiction, but most states require agencies to respond within a specific number of days, typically ranging from 5 to 30 days.

No, the Right-To-Know Act primarily applies to state and local government agencies. For federal agencies, you would need to make a request under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

Yes, in most cases, you can make a request on behalf of another person or organisation. However, you may need to provide proof of authorization or legal representation.

Generally, there are no restrictions on how you can use the records obtained. However, it is important to respect any privacy or confidentiality concerns that may be associated with certain records.