Understanding Your Rights Under Georgia's Open Records Act
Learn how Georgia's law ensures public access to government information and what steps you can take to request records.
- The Georgia Open Records Act gives you the right to inspect and copy most government records.
- You don't need a specific reason to request records, but your request should be clear and specific.
- Government agencies typically have three business days to respond to your request.
- Some records are exempt from disclosure, such as ongoing investigations or certain privacy-protected information.
The Georgia Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) is a state law designed to ensure that the public has access to most records created and maintained by state and local government agencies. Its core purpose is to promote transparency and accountability by making government operations visible to the citizens they serve.
Who Can Request Records?
Any person can request public records under the Georgia Open Records Act. You do not need to be a Georgia resident, a U.S. citizen, or even a registered voter. The law applies to "any person" seeking access to records.
What Kinds of Records Are Covered?
The Act broadly defines "public records" to include almost any document, paper, letter, map, book, tape, photograph, audio or video recording, computer-based or generated information, or similar material prepared, maintained, or received in the course of government business. This means everything from meeting minutes and budgets to emails and contracts are generally fair game. The format doesn't matter; electronic records are treated the same as paper ones.
How to Make a Request
While oral requests are sometimes accepted, it's always best to submit your request in writing. This creates a clear record of what you asked for and when. You don't need to state your purpose for requesting the records. However, your request should be specific enough for the agency to reasonably identify the records you're looking for. Vague or overly broad requests can be denied or lead to delays. Direct your request to the specific agency that holds the records.
Agency Response Times and Fees
Once an agency receives your request, they generally have three business days to respond. This response could be to provide the records, state that they don't have them, or explain why they need more time or that some records are exempt. If the records are voluminous or require extensive redaction, the agency can take a "reasonable amount of time" beyond the initial three days, but they must inform you of this and provide an estimated date. Agencies can charge a fee for the actual cost of copying records (usually 10 cents per page) and for the time spent by clerical staff to search for and retrieve the records, but not for the first 15 minutes of staff time. They must provide you with a cost estimate if the fees are expected to exceed $25.
The Georgia Open Records Act is vital for an informed citizenry and a healthy democracy. It empowers individuals to hold their government accountable, track public spending, understand policy decisions, and ensure transparency in how public services are delivered. By exercising your rights under this Act, you contribute to a more open and trustworthy government. It applies whenever you seek information from state, county, or city government bodies, public schools, or any entity performing a public function with public funds.
Sources
- O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq. (Georgia Open Records Act)
- Georgia Attorney General's Office - Open Government Guide
