Public Records Act

The act governs public access to records held by government agencies, establishing a general right to inspect and obtain copies of public records and requiring an agency to justify any withholding rather than refuse without explanation. It sets out procedures for making and responding to requests, requires that requesters be treated without discrimination, addresses how records maintained in electronic form must be handled, and restricts the release of sensitive personal identifiers such as Social Security numbers. It also allows agencies to disclose records voluntarily in defined circumstances and to share otherwise protected material with prosecuting authorities.

Editorial summary generated from the text of this act. It is not part of the statute — read the sections below for the operative language.