Open records and State Sunshine Laws

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 1 person | Log in to rate

Ranked #1,287 in News, #118,750 overall

Open Records and State Sunshine

It can be challenging to learn how to file an open records--or FOIA--request.  This lens collects the links and information we've found that is the most helpful.

Filing an open records request 

  • Review the open records law in your state at WikiFOIA.
  • Make sure you have the correct address of the records custodian at the agency that has the records you want. Call or email to be sure.
  • Use the letter generator from the Student Press Law Center to write your letter.
  • Decide where you want the agency to send the documents once they have gathered them.
  • Print out your letter and hand-deliver or mail. It usually isn't necessary to send it by certified mail. Some agencies allow you to file your request by email--check with them first.
  • Keep a record of what you've done and make a note on your calendar about when you should expect to have heard back from the agency, based on the laws in your state.
  • Follow up if necessary.

Sunshine Activists 

Spotlighting active citizens who file open records requests

Sunshine Troublemakers of the Week.

Sunshine Activists.

New RSS: Add Your Own Feed 

Loading Fetching RSS feed... please stand by

by LeslieGraves

I work at the Lucy Burns Institute, where we help people understand how to use the open records law in their state to promote transpare...

(more)

Related Topics

Favorited By

Create a Lens!