Pennsylvania Right-to-Know Law and Rule of Judicial Administration 509

Act 3 of 2008, Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law, was signed by the Governor on February 14, 2008, and became effective on January 1, 2009. Under Act 3, a “judicial agency,” as defined, shall provide “financial records,” as defined, when requested in accordance with the act or any rule or order of court providing equal or greater access to the records. 

On June 23, 2008, Pennsylvania Rule of Judicial Administration (Pa. R.J.A.) 509 was amended in order to facilitate public access to financial records of the Unified Judicial System. In Adams County, a “judicial agency” includes the Court of Common Pleas, Court Administration, Department of Probation Services, Domestic Relations Section, and the Magisterial District Courts. Pa R.J.A. 509 can be viewed below: 

Pennsylvania Rules of Judicial Administration Rule 509  

Procedure for Requesting Access to Adams County Court Office Financial Records

In accordance with Pa R.J.A. 509, a request to inspect or obtain copies of financial records accessible pursuant to this rule and in the possession or control of the abovementioned Adams County Court offices must be made in writing to the Adams County Courts Open Records Officer at the below address. A written request may be submitted in person, by mail, by e-mail, by facsimile, or, to the extent provided, any other electronic means, on the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts (AOPC) Rule 509 Request Form. Within 10 business days of receipt of a written request, the Adams County Courts Open Records Officer shall respond to the requester. The procedure for filing an appeal to the Courts Open Records Officer’s denial of access is explained in Pa R.J.A. 509. Reasonable costs incurred in providing public access to records may be charged pursuant to this rule. Such costs may include, but are not limited to, postage, photocopying, copying onto electronic media, transmission by facsimile or other electronic means, and other means of duplication.  

Pennsylvania AOPC Rule 509 Request Form 

Adams County Courts Open Records Officer
c/o Court Administration
Adams County Courthouse
117 Baltimore St.
Gettysburg, PA 17325
adamscountycourtsrighttoknow@adamscountypa.gov
(717) 337-9846
(717) 334-8817 (Fax) 

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Adams County
Court Administration

Adams County Courthouse
117 Baltimore Street, 4th Floor
Gettysburg, PA 17325
717-337-9846
717-334-8817 (Fax) 

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Donald Fennimore
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Donna Cassatt
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Laura Rowland
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Roy A. Keefer
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