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