What Is The Right-To-Know Law?
The current Right-To-Know Law, which was signed into law in 2008, ensures government transparency and provides citizens with access to public records. Under the Right-To-Know law, almost all records are considered public and must be provided upon request. There are 30 exceptions, laid out in Section 708 of the Right-To-Know law, that permit an agency to withhold records. Examples of information not available to the public include:
- Social Security numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- Employee numbers
- Home, cellular or personal phone numbers
- Personal financial information
- Personal medical information
- Marital status
- Identity of a covert law enforcement officer
- Home address of judges or law enforcement
- Confidential source records
- Victim information
In addition, records may be withheld and disclosure may be barred under state or federal law or regulation, judicial order, or special privilege (attorney-client, doctor-patient, etc.).
For more information, see the Pennsylvania Office of Open Records’ Citizens’ Guide to the Right-To-Know Law.
How Do I Submit A Right-To-Know Request?
To submit a Right-to-Know request, fill out the form linked below and send it to our Open Records Officer at manager@langhorneborough.com. When you submit a request, always retain a copy for your files. The Office of Open Records may require a copy in the event that you should choose to appeal a denial.
You can also mail or drop off a Right-To-Know request at the Borough office at:
114 East Maple Avenue
Langhorne PA, 19047
For Open Records/Right-To-Know Forms you can visit the Office of Open Records website.
Once a request is submitted, the Borough has five business days (excluding Friday, when the office is closed) to respond. If the Borough needs additional time to process the request, we will notify the requester that a 30-day extension has been invoked.
Anyone can submit a Right-To-Know request, and there is no limit to the number of requests an individual can make.
What If My Request Is Denied?
In the event that your Right-to-Know request is denied, you can submit an appeal through the Office of Open Records’ online appeal form.
Beginning April 20, 2026, the Office of Open Records will no longer accept the filing of any appeals via email. All online appeals must be submitted through the online appeal form linked above.
While the Office of Open Records strongly recommends submitting online, appeals can also be submitted via fax (717-425-5343) or mail at:
Office of Open Records
555 Walnut Street, Suite 605
Harrisburg, PA 17101-1925
