Georgia’s open records laws provide the public with broad access to governmental records and documents. The public has a right to see, inspect and copy all public records.
@BR Box Type bold lede colon:QUESTION: What records are available to the public?
ANSWER: Public records are broadly defined to include documents, papers, letters, maps, books, tapes, photographs, computer-based or generated information, and similar material prepared and maintained or received in the course of the operation of a public office or agency. There are some exceptions. However, these exclusions are subject to a narrow construction, and only the portions directly applicable are excluded.
QUESTION: How does the open records process work?
ANSWER: Open records requests may be made to any custodian of the desired records. A written request is not required, but is advisable to eliminate any dispute that may arise from the request. The custodian of the record must respond to all requests within three business days of receiving them. If the records exist but are not available within three days, a written description of the records and a timetable for their inspection and copying must be provided in that time frame. Records may be delivered in electronic form when available. A records custodian must provide in writing the specific legal authority exempting any record from disclosure.
QUESTION: Are there charges to inspect or copy public records?
ANSWER: Public agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copying public documents but usually may not charge more than 25 cents per page. Agencies may also charge you for search, retrieval and other administrative costs. Hourly charges for administrative tasks may not exceed the salary of the lowest paid, full-time employee who has the necessary skill and training to perform the request. No charge may be made for the first 15 minutes. No fee may be charged when a person seeks only to inspect records that are routinely subject to public inspection, such as deeds, city ordinances and zoning maps.
Information provided by the Georgia First Amendment Foundation. For more details about the Open Records Act, visit the foundation’s website, www.gfaf.org.
