Guide to Open Public Records

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

Exemptions

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 which 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. On the Kansas State Legislature website, under Quick Search, enter 45-221 as the statute number.

Requesting a Record

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.

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.

Most records will be produced within three business days from the time the request is received. If the request is denied, you will received 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 by clicking Contact Us in the top right corner of this page.

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 the cost of staff time required to make the information available and the cost of copying or reproducing the record.

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.