Open records requests in Georgia

How the Georgia Open Records Act works

Georgia's Open Records Act (O.C.G.A. § 50-18-70 et seq.) grants broad access to public records of all state and local agencies to any person. The statute requires agencies to acknowledge a request within three business days and produce records within a reasonable time thereafter, generally as soon as practicable. Notably, the first quarter hour of staff time for search and retrieval must be provided free of charge; fees are allowed beyond that threshold.

The Georgia Attorney General's office oversees enforcement and may take action against agencies that willfully violate the Act. Penalties for knowing and willful violations include fines up to $1,000. Common exemptions include certain personnel records, attorney-client privileged materials, and records specifically exempted by other state statutes. Requesters may also pursue relief in superior court.