In the summer of 2022, the Office of Open Records (“OOR”) announced that it was moving forward with an E-File Appeal Portal. The goal was to provide a one-stop location for all records involving appeals. On July 31, 2023, the OOR fully implemented the E-File Portal. With limited exceptions, all OOR appeals will now proceed through this portal. 

On its website, the OOR states that the Portal allows parties to electronically participate in an appeal and access a single electronic docket that contains all appeal-related submissions and communications. Once a party is granted login credentials, which consist of a person’s email address and an assigned password, they may download, save, or print all docket activity. The OOR also provides a user guide and training video on its website.

Importantly, a local agency’s solicitor must enter an appearance for each appeal to receive access to the appeal materials on the Portal. If an Entry of Appearance is not filed, the Agency Open Records Officer is responsible for informing attorneys or representatives of either party of all docket activity. To file an Entry of Appearance, visit the “Appeal E-File Portal – My Appeals” screen or visit https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/Appeals/EntryOfAppearance.cfm.