The new law fundamentally changes the structure of Pennsylvania's Right to Know Law. It begins with the presumption that state and local agency records are open for public inspection and copying and places the burden on a government agency denying access.

For the first time since the Right to Know Law was passed in 1957, it will include the General Assembly and will give citizens the ability to appeal open records disputes to an administrative agency, the Office of Open Records, without the need to file a court action.

The new law guarantees access to public records in the possession of government contractors performing "governmental functions" on behalf of an agency, establishes an online, searchable database for state contract information, and requires state-affiliated universities to make certain financial information public.

The law also shortens agency response times and increases the civil penalties that can be awarded against an agency acting in bad faith.