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Saturday, February 21, 2009

Meeting tapes are not exempt from Penn. FOI

Pennsylvania's tougher FOI law, which went into effect in January, does not exempt audio tapes of meetings, the Pennsylvania Freedom of Information Coalition reported. The advisory opinion was issued by Terry Mutchler of the state Open Records office. Franklin Park borough, which sought the advice, is expected to adopt a policy outlining how long tapes will be retained by local governments or stop having the secretary record government meetings.
Pennsylvania's open-records chief says audio recordings of government meetings are public records that must be provided to people who request them.

Terry Mutchler of the state Open Records Office issued an advisory opinion sought by Franklin Park borough in Allegheny County.

The borough secretary tapes council meetings to help in writing the official minutes.
More here.

More details from the Pennyslvania Freedom of Information Coalition here.

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