Georgia Public Records < Overview Of The Public Information Act In Georgia
Overview Of The Public Information Act In Georgia.

Introduction to Georgia’s Open Records Act
Georgia’s Open Records Act, widely recognized as the Georgia Open Records Act (ORA), is a vital framework that bolsters transparency and accountability in government workings. Situated within Title 50, Chapter 18, Article 4 of the Georgia Code, this statute grants public access to a broad selection of government-held records and papers.
The ORA is anchored on the notion that government files should be accessible for public review, nurturing an enlightened populace and fostering effective oversight of governmental undertakings. This law applies to a wide variety of public institutions, including state divisions, offices, boards, departments, commissions, and local government agencies.
What is the Open Records Act?
The Georgia Open Records Act serves as an all-encompassing regulation that governs the public’s right to peruse government-held records. It characterizes public records as all materials, reports, letters, diagrams, books, recordings, photographs, digital or computer-stored data, and comparable items created, preserved, or acquired by an agency during its operations.
The law’s core aim is to secure openness in government dealings by empowering citizens to inspect and replicate public records. This privilege is extended to all Georgia residents and, practically, to outsiders as well, pursuant to a 1993 Attorney General opinion. The ORA outlines particular steps for requesting documents, timeframes for agency replies, and rules for the costs tied to record production.
Scope of the Act
The Open Records Act casts a vast net, covering a varied assortment of governmental bodies and files. It applies to all state divisions, offices, boards, bureaus, commissions, public entities, and authorities. Additionally, it encompasses county and municipal government units, regional boards, and even certain private groups carrying out governmental duties.
The law’s reach stretches to records in multiple formats, including electronic documents, databases, emails, and social media communications. As outlined by the Georgia Attorney General’s Guide to Georgia’s Sunshine Laws, “computer records” are distinctly recognized as public records bound by the statute. This inclusive reading ensures that the act stays pertinent in the digital era, where a significant portion of government activity is conducted electronically.
Requesting Public Records
Any person can ask for public records under the Georgia Open Records Act. While the law doesn’t mandate a fixed format for such requests, it’s advisable to submit them in writing for better legal standing. Many agencies offer Open Records Request forms to streamline this process.
When crafting a request, it’s crucial to be as detailed as possible about the desired records. This includes sharing pertinent details such as timeframes, specific document categories, or subjects of interest. For electronic files, requesters should furnish data reasonably likely to help the agency pinpoint the materials, including, if available, the name, position, or department of the individual whose digital messages are being sought.
Agencies are required to respond to inquiries within three business days, either by providing the requested materials, invoking specific exceptions for withholding them, or explaining why additional time is required to complete the request. This rapid response obligation highlights the law’s dedication to prompt access to public information.
Types of Public Records Available
The Georgia Open Records Act spans a broad range of public records, including but not limited to:
- Government communications and reports
- Financial ledgers and spending plans
- Law enforcement files, including initial police arrest reports and incident logs
- Judicial records (with some limitations)
- Vital statistics
- Environmental and zoning files
- Contracts and deals
- Meeting summaries and schedules
- Emails and digital interactions
- Databases and related datasets