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RESOLUTION 
#215
AMEND THE
RIGHT TO 
KNOW 
LAW 
RESOLUTION TO AMEND THE RIGHT TO KNOW LAW AND PRIVIDE RELIEF FROM VEXATIOUS REQUESTERS

WHEREAS, the current Pennsylvania Right To Know Law allows a single individual to submit an unlimited amount of requests to a public body;

WHEREAS, requests for information are not subject to disclosure of their purpose;

WHEREAS, Pennsylvania communities are suffering from vexatious requesters whose intent is to harass and / or overburden the public body and / or public employees;

WHEREAS, the current Pennsylvania Right To Know Law provides no relief or recourse for a public body to deter citizens who use the law to harass or overburden the public body;

WHEREAS, communities and public bodies are suffering from vexatious requesters who are using the law as a retaliatory weapon, rather for the public good;

NOW THEREFORE, be it resolved that Bolivar Borough Council urges the Pennsylvania State Legislature to enact an amendment to:

1.  Define the words, "harass" and "overburden" in the current Right To Know Law.

2.  Alternatively, provide a venue of remedy for a public body to solicit relief from the Office of Open Records or the Courts, to address those who could be recognized as a "Vexatious Requestor,"

RESOLVED, this 2nd day of May 2019 by Bolivar Borough Council  in an open meeting duly assembled at 622 Washington Street, Bolivar PA 

Attested:                                                        Bolivar Borough
                                                                                                     Westmoreland County PA 

Patricia Betts, Secretary                                                                  Clark Baird , Council President