The best way for a governmental body to respond to a request for information is to promptly release the requested information. However, not every case is so straightforward. When confidential information is requested, or when a governmental body needs to protect its interests, a governmental body may need to seek to withhold certain information.

In any case, a governmental body must respond promptly to every request received. Generally, within ten business days, a governmental body must either:

  1. Release the information to the requestor;
  2. Give the requestor written notice of the date and time the requestor will get the information;
  3. Seek to withhold requested information by asking for a ruling from the Open Records Division;
  4. Notify the requestor in writing it has no information responsive to the request for information; or
  5. Notify the requestor in writing the information is being witheld based on a previous determination and identify in the notice the specific previous determination the governmental body is relying on to withhold the requested information. 

Requesting a Ruling

How to properly request a ruling from the Open Records Division

Submitting Materials to the OAG

Mailing address, eFiling, common-carrier

Redacting without a Ruling

A governmental body must seek a ruling from the Open Records Division before it can redact information from requested documents

Requests for Third Party Information

What to do if a third party’s information is at issue

What to Expect When You Receive an Open Records Letter Ruling

Rights and responsibilities of the governmental body and of the requestor

Public Information Request Form

Downloadable form governmental bodies may allow requestors to use when making requests for public information.