What Records Are
Most records maintained by public entities are open for inspection and/or
copying by individuals. Commonly requested records include:
- Ordinances
- Resolutions
- Minutes from open meetings
- Salaries of public officials
- Budgets
Exceptions
The Kansas Open Records Act recognizes that some records contain information
which is private in nature. For this reason, the Act lists a number of
exceptions. Records which are closed for this reason may include:
- Personnel information of public employees
- Medical treatment records
- Records which are protected by the attorney-client privilege or the rules of evidence
- Records containing personal information compiled for Census purposes
- Notes and preliminary drafts
- Criminal investigation records
For a complete listing of exemptions see K.S.A. 45-221. Go to the
Kansas State Legislature website
and enter 45-221 as the statute number.
How To Request A Record
Step 1
Check with the records custodian or local Freedom of Information Officer to
determine whether the information that you need is available. Please
remember to be specific when requesting information so that the
custodian will be able to serve you better.
Step 2
You may be asked to submit your request for information in writing. The
records custodian may have a prepared form for this purpose. Make sure
your request is as specific as possible so that your request may be filled
quickly and completely. The records custodian may ask detailed questions
in order to fulfill your request accurately.
Step 3
Most records will be produced within three business days from the time the
request is received. If the request is denied, you will receive a written
explanation for the delay or denial.
For Freedom of Information Requests from the Johnson County Environmental Department, please call 913-715-6900 or
email us
You may download the Public Information Request Form
to complete and bring to our office. If you mail the form to us, you will need to contact our office
at 913-715-6900 to talk with a staff member. We will not be able to process your request until you
contact us.
Fees
The Kansas Open Records Act authorizes public agencies to charge fees for providing access to or
furnishing copies of public records. This fee may be requested in advance and may include:
Why Would My Request Be Denied?
Although every attempt will be made to provide the information requested, it is not always possible
to fulfill the request. There are a number of reasons that a request may be denied:
-
The specific record that was requested does not exist
-
The request was unclear and should be resubmitted with more detail
-
The record that was requested is closed to protect an important privacy interest
(see the list of exemptions to the Kansas Open Records Act at K.S.A. 45-221
on the Kansas State
Legislature website).
Source:
Kansas Association of Counties
League of Kansas Municipalities
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