5 THINGS TO KNOW: What is a public record and who is subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act?

Mar. 16—Check out information from the Oklahoma Open Records Act on what is an open record and who is subject to comply with it.

1 What is a public record under the ORA?

All documents created or received by a public official or body, or their representatives, relating to public business, funds or property. This includes books, papers, photographs, microfilm, disks, records, sound or film recordings, video recordings, emails, text messages, and more.

2 Who is subject to the Open Records Act?

Any official or employee of a public body. Public bodies include any office, board, commission or agency supported by public funds, or expending public funds, or operating public property. This includes city officials and employees, and county officials and employees.

3 What isn't a public record and what records can be excluded from disclosure?

Personal financial information, computer software, toll collection audio or video, and more.

Certain personnel records, federal records, personal notes, certain law enforcement records, litigation files, court-sealed records, and more.

4 What fees can be charged?

A fee for direct cost of searching and copying records may be charged if the request is for solely commercial purposes or it would clearly cause excessive disruption of the essential functions of the public body.

Fees can't exceed 25¢ per page for 8 1/2 x 14" or smaller; and can't exceed $1 for a certified copy.

A search fee can't be charged when the release of records is in the public interest or to the news media.

A fee schedule shall be posted at the principal office.

5 What is the timeframe for a response?

Public officials, bodies and agencies must provide prompt, reasonable access to records. This means a reasonable time for the records keeper to find the record and provide it. Anyone can view a record and make a copy, such as taking a picture of it or taking notes from it.

—Adrian O'Hanlon III