What are the laws regarding access to public information?

In North Carolina, the law regarding access to public information is called the Public Records Law. This law provides the public with access to records without discrimination and without having to specify the reason for the request. It also requires that public records are made available upon request and at a reasonable cost. Public records are defined as all documents and information kept or produced by public agencies in North Carolina. This includes state documents and documents from local governments, such as counties, cities, school districts, and special purpose districts. Some of the types of records available under the Public Records Law include government contracts, financial records, meeting minutes, personnel files, emails, and photographs. Documents that are exempt from disclosure include information that is part of a criminal investigation, confidential medical records, and records protected by attorney-client privilege. In order to make a request for public records, a person must submit a written request to the public agency. The agency then has 10 business days to respond to the request. If the requested records are denied, the agency must provide a written explanation for the denial. Under the Public Records Law, the public also has the right to inspect public records. This means that anyone can go to a government office or other government building and look at public records during normal business hours. The public is not allowed to make copies of the records without permission from the agency.

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What are the laws regarding access to public information?

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