Public records & open meetings

The basics

• The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) lets almost anyone, citizen or not, request records from federal executive branch agencies. It doesn't cover Congress, federal courts, or state and local governments.
• Every state has its own public records law for state and local records, like city, county, or school district files. The details vary, so look up your state's law.
• All 50 states and D.C. have open meetings laws. They generally require advance notice, let the public attend, and require minutes. The right to attend doesn't always include a right to speak.
• Some information can be withheld. FOIA has nine exemptions for things like personal privacy, national security, and law enforcement. Meetings can be closed for some topics, like personnel or legal advice.
• To ask for federal records, send a written request to the agency's FOIA office describing what you want. No special form is needed. There's no fee to file, but search or copy fees may apply.

Why it matters to you

Records and meetings show how decisions about your schools, streets, and taxes get made. Laws vary by state; this is general information, not legal advice.

Myth vs. fact

What you can do

• Use the Civic Ladder records request tool to draft a clear, specific request.
• Check the agency's website or FOIA.gov first; what you want may already be public.
• Attend a city council or school board meeting and read its posted agenda and minutes.