Open records requests in Idaho

How the Idaho Public Records Act works

Idaho's Public Records Act (Idaho Code § 74-101 et seq.) covers all three branches of state government, including the legislature and courts, as well as counties, cities, and other political subdivisions. Any person may request records, and the Act establishes a clear presumption that all public records are open unless a specific exemption applies. Agencies must respond within three business days, one of the faster mandatory turnaround times in the country.

Fees are limited to the actual cost of duplication; staff time cannot be charged unless a request is extraordinarily burdensome. Requesters who successfully challenge a denial in district court are entitled to attorney's fees and costs. Idaho's law includes a detailed list of exemptions: investigatory records, personnel files, security information, and attorney-client privileged materials. Extensions are available for complex requests with proper notice to the requester.