A Right to Know (RTK) request is a request for information from a state or local government body in Pennsylvania. You are allowed to request any kind of information, and aside from a list of exceptions, the government body receiving the request must provide the information requested. They may not deny your request based upon what they think you intend to do with the information.
There are some reasons for which agencies are allowed to deny your request. They are as follows:
- The record is exempt under section 708 (a list of possible exemptions, see appendix)
- The record is protected by a privilege (such as attorney-client privilege)
- The record is exempt under another federal or state law
Aside from those exceptions, you can request whatever you want. If exempted content can be redacted, then the agency must still fulfill your request. Agencies are not allowed to ask the reason for your Right to Know request, and you’re not required to disclose it, either. Any legal US resident can file a request, and many other entities that enjoy legal “personhood”, such as corporations, can as well.