Open Records Requests

OPEN RECORDS REQUESTS

WHAT IS THE KENTUCKY OPEN RECORDS ACT (KORA)

The Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to KRS 61.884), or KORA, provides access to public records that, by law, are not exempt from disclosure. For more information on the act, visit the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General Web site at https://ag.ky.gov/orom/Pages/default.aspx

WHAT ARE PUBLIC RECORDS?

Public records are those materials prepared, owned, used, possessed, maintained or retained by state and local government agencies that must be open for public inspection unless the records are excluded by any of the 14 exemptions in the Kentucky Open Records Act. Public agencies are not required to compile information or to answer questions, but to provide only specific records responsive to a request. For more information on the14 exemptions and other KORA information, visit the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General Web site at https://ag.ky.gov/orom/Pages/default.aspx

IS THERE A COST FOR RECORDS?

Johnson County charges 25 cents per released page. There also are charges for photos, compact discs, videotapes and diskettes varying from $2-$3 apiece. The official custodian sends a letter stating how much requesters owe for records.

WHAT IS THE TIMEFRAME FOR A RESPONSE TO MY REQUEST?

State law requires a written response to an open records request be issued within three days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays). The three-day timeframe begins the day after receipt of the request. For more information, go to https://ag.ky.gov/orom/Pages/default.aspx and click on “Protecting Your Right to Know.”