Open Records Request

Understanding the Records Request Process and the Open Records Act

Some records can be produced promptly. Other records may require time to search in which case you will be notified when the records are ready for pickup or inspection.

By making this request for records, you agree to pay all copying or search fees, if applicable, in the amounts and under such conditions as posted in our office. These charges are set to cover the actual costs incurred in honoring your request.

You may be required to pay in advance if estimated costs exceed $75.00 or if you have outstanding fees from prior requests. Any amount paid in excess of actual costs will be refunded 51 O.S. § 24 A.5(4)

You may be asked to clarify your request if the request does not describe the records with reasonable specificity. To have reasonable specificity, a request shall “a) specify a general time frame within which the requested records would have been created or transmitted, b) seek identifiable records, rather than general information without any qualifiers or other specifications, and c) include search terms that are sufficiently specific to assist the public in identifying the requested records.” 51 O.S. § 24A.5(7)

We may ask you to clarify your request. If we have engaged with you to seek the information needed to fulfill the request and to identify the records sought by you, including providing you with general topics or a specific list of records related to the request, the request may be denied if it is still not reasonably specific 51 O.S. § 24A.5(7)

We have the ability to determine whether a request is for a commercial purpose. 51 O.S. § 24A.5(4), 51 O.S. § 24A.40

The public body is permitted to email records but is not required to do so. A public body should not provide or deliver records in a form that materially alters or removes the content of the original record. See Wagner v. Office of Sheriff of Custer Cnty., 2021 OK CIV APP 20, ¶6, 492 P.3d 1240, 1242. Brooke vs. Reed, 2024 OK CIV APP Case No. 121604 ¶ 17 (not for official publication) and the AG opinions 1999 OK AG 55 and 2006 OK AG 35.

A person whose request to inspect or copy a public record is denied by a public body may file a request for review with the Public Access Counselor in the Attorney General’s office not later than 30 calendar days after the date of the denial. The Attorney General may issue advisory opinions if requested by the head of the public body or its attorney 51 O.S. § 24A.40

FISTA Open Records Request Form