Office of Open Records. The new Law creates the Office of Open Records, housed in the Department of Community and Economic Development. The Office hears most open records appeals (with the limited exceptions set forth above), holds hearings, issues orders, issues advisory opinions, and provides training, among other things. The Office will issue rules regarding its operation and procedures in the coming months.

Final Determination. Unless the requester agrees otherwise, the Office shall make a final ruling on an appeal within 30 days. If the office does not do so, the appeal is deemed denied.

Appeal to Court. A party may appeal an Office of Open Records determination (or deemed denial) by filing a court action. If the case relates to a Commonwealth agency, any appeal would be filed with the Commonwealth Court. Appeals from local agency denials are filed with the county court of common pleas.