Frequently Asked Questions

Please keep in mind that reasonable fees, not exceeding actual cost, may be charged for access to records, copies of records, and staff time for processing your request. You may be required to show proof of identity, if requested, in order to pick up these requested records.

Many records maintained by public entities are open for inspection and/or copying by individuals. Examples include regulations, board policies, minutes/records of Board meetings, and budget documents.

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. Records which are closed for this reason may 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 required for Census purposes
• Notes and preliminary drafts
• Criminal investigation records
• Proprietary business information
• Records related to security measures
• Several other specific records

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 (see list of exceptions).