The Kentucky Open Records Act requires that anyone wishing to view or obtain copies of agency records must submit a request in writing to the records custodian of the agency from which they desire records. The request must identify the records sought, as well as contain your name, address, email and phone number in the event you should need to be contacted. The agency has three business days (excluding holidays and weekends) to respond in writing whether the records will be made available and a date in which they will be ready. For additional information about open records, the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General maintains an
open records and open meetings Web site. Visit the Legislative Research Commission Web site for the
official statute on open records (KRS Chapter 061.870).
What is exempt from public inspection?
Any file must be reviewed before it is inspected by a member of the public to determine if exempted material may be contained in the files. Nondisclosable material is kept in a separate file(s). The following records will be exempt from an information request under KRS 61.878:
- Records of law enforcement agencies or agencies involved in administrative adjudication that were compiled in the process of detecting and investigating statutory or regulatory violations, if the disclosure of the information would harm the agency.
- Preliminary drafts, notes and correspondence with private individuals other than correspondence that is intended to give notice of final action of a public agency.
- Preliminary recommendations and preliminary memoranda in which opinions are expressed or policies are formulated or recommended.
- All public records or information the disclosure of which is otherwise prohibited by federal law or regulation, and public records or information the disclosure of which is prohibited or restricted or otherwise made confidential by an enactment of the General Assembly.
Agency Fees
Unless otherwise noted, copies of records cost $.10 per page.
- Department for Financial Institutions: There is a $20 charge for all securities inquiries. Information on a CD costs $20. Checks and money orders are to be made payable to the Kentucky State Treasurer. Payment is expected before mailing or at the time the records are picked up. Records may be viewed in the office if scheduled in advance.
- Department of Charitable Gaming: Copies of records cost $.22 per page. Please use the following Open Records Form to inspect Department of Charitable Gaming files.
- Department of Housing, Buildings and Construction: Please use the following form to inspect agency files.
- Alcoholic Beverage Control: Please use the following form to inspect agency files.
The following records custodians are responsible for accepting and coordinating the review of open records: