Right to Know Law Newsletter

Winter 2009


The Right-to-Know (RTK) practice group at Nauman Smith helps you manage every aspect of the Pennsylvania Right To Know Law and Related Access Issues


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RTK Attorneys Address PA Municipal Authority Association 66th Annual Conference

Two top attorneys from The RTK Practice Group of Harrisburg law firm Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, address a special session of PMAA's Solicitor's Day, "Amended Open Records Act for Municipal Solicitors" (More)

 

PA Right-to-Know Law: What Every Lawyer Needs to Know

"The new law initiates many changes, but there are 30 statutory exceptions, which opens the door to potential confusion and individual interpretation," noted the Harrisburg Attorney. (More)

 

Special Feature:

Q/A Terry Mutchler, Executive Director, PA Office of Open Records (More)

 

Attorney Beneventano Speaks to RTK Compliance Before the Dover School Board

"There are four steps any school board should take right now to address compliance with the new PA Right To Know law," legal expert says. (More)

 

Attorney Staudenmaier Alerts Broadcast Media to New Access Law

Noting that lead time for a broadcast story is much more compressed than in print media, Staudenmaier said, "broadcast investigative reporters have to pay particular attention to the process when requesting information. There are nuances which normally can lead to denials or delays, and it's important for reporters to understand when and how to stand their ground in that process." (More)

 

Attorney Feinour Addresses RTK, Land Development Issue

Mr. Feinour commented on the new Right to Know Law as it affects third party vendors such as engineers, architects, and other consultants. (More)

 

Court rules phone bills are open to public, but phone numbers are not

The PA Supreme Court filed its decision in the Tribune Review v. Bodack that bills for cellular phones purchased by the City but reimbursed by a councilman were public records; however, the numbers on the phones had to be redacted under the personal security/privacy exception in the current RTK law. (More)

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The highly skilled attorneys at Nauman, Smith, Shissler & Hall, LLP are prepared to assist you now regardless of the issue or concern. Contact the appropriate attorney below and he will immediately respond to your inquiry in the following legal areas:


Media, journalism, litigation, appellate advocacy and related RTK and access issues: Craig J. Staudenmaier, Esq. cjstaud@nssh.com 717.236.3010

RTK issues affecting municipalities, boroughs, corporations and contractors, including land use, real estate development and related access issues:J. Stephen Feinour, Esq. sfeinour@nssh.com 717.236.3010

RTK impact on municipalities, townships, counties, community colleges, schools and university and related issues: Guy P. Beneventano, Esq. guypbenny@nssh.com 717.236.3010

Disclaimer and IRS Circular 230 Notice:

The material on our website and in this newsletter has been prepared for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, and transmission of information from this site is not intended to create, nor does its receipt constitute, an attorney-client relationship between Nauman Smith Shissler and Hall, LLP and the visitor to this site. The information contained in this newsletter is not intended as tax advice. As required by IRS Circular 230, we inform you that any information contained in this newsletter is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding penalties under the Internal Revenue Code or for the purpose of promoting, marketing or recommending to another party, any tax-related matter addressed herein.


Nauman Smith Shissler & Hall, LLP
200 North 3rd Street, 18th Floor
P.O. Box 840
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717.236.3010
fax: 717.234.1925
info@nssh.com