Open records requests in Kentucky

How the Kentucky Open Records Act works

Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884) provides residents of the Commonwealth, Kentucky ties the right of access to state residency, with limited exceptions, the right to inspect public records of any public agency. The law covers all state and local government entities, including elected officials, state agencies, counties, cities, school boards, and other public bodies. Agencies must respond within three business days with either the records or a written explanation for any denial.

Kentucky's Office of Open Records within the Attorney General's office is an active oversight body that issues binding decisions, making it one of the states with the strongest administrative enforcement mechanisms outside of court. Fees are limited to the cost of reproduction. Common exemptions include personnel records, attorney-client communications, and active law enforcement investigative files. Decisions of the AG's office may be appealed to circuit court.