Oklahoma Open Records Act Request
A ready-to-use request letter for obtaining public records from Oklahoma government agencies under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.).
[Date]
[Name of Records Custodian or Public Body]
[Agency / Department Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State ZIP]
Re: Request for Records Under the Oklahoma Open Records Act (51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq.)
Dear Records Custodian:
Pursuant to the Oklahoma Open Records Act ("the Act"), 51 O.S. § 24A.1 et seq., I am requesting access to and copies of the following records:
[Describe the records you are requesting as specifically as possible. Include date ranges, names, case numbers, incident numbers, department names, or any other identifying information that will help the agency locate the records.]
I do not need to state any reason for this request. The Oklahoma Open Records Act establishes a presumption that all records of public bodies are open to any person for inspection, copying, or mechanical reproduction. See 51 O.S. § 24A.5; Tulsa Tribune Co. v. Oklahoma Horse Racing Comm'n, 1984 OK 97, ¶ 9 (the Act "is to be construed to favor the public's right of access").
Response Deadline
Under 51 O.S. § 24A.5(5), a public body must provide "prompt, reasonable access" to its records. I respectfully request that you respond to this request within three (3) business days. Unreasonable delay in responding to an Open Records Act request may be treated as a constructive denial and is subject to legal challenge. See 51 O.S. § 24A.17; City of Midwest City v. House of Realty, Inc., 2008 OK 28, ¶ 11.
Denial Obligations
If any portion of this request is denied, I ask that you cite the specific statutory exemption justifying the denial for each record or portion withheld, as required by 51 O.S. § 24A.5(4). A blanket assertion that records are "exempt" or "confidential" without citation to a specific exemption does not satisfy the Act's requirements. See Oklahoma Ass'n of Mun. Attorneys v. State, 1978 OK 72, ¶ 5 ("Exceptions to the act must be narrowly construed in favor of disclosure").
If individual records contain both exempt and non-exempt information, the Act requires that the non-exempt portions be disclosed with the exempt portions redacted. See 51 O.S. § 24A.5(4).
Fees
I understand that the Act permits recovery of the direct cost of document reproduction. Under 51 O.S. § 24A.5(3), the fee for standard-size copies shall not exceed twenty-five cents ($0.25) per page. A public body may not charge for the cost of searching for or reviewing records in response to an Open Records Act request. If the estimated reproduction cost exceeds $[amount], please notify me before proceeding so that I may narrow my request if necessary.
Format of Production
If the requested records are maintained in electronic format, I request that they be provided electronically (via email or digital media) to minimize reproduction costs, as contemplated by 51 O.S. § 24A.3(2) (defining "record" to include information stored electronically) and § 24A.5(1). If the records exist only in hard copy, standard paper copies are acceptable.
Enforcement
I trust this request will be handled in accordance with the Act. Please be aware that 51 O.S. § 24A.17 provides that any person denied access to records may bring a civil action in district court. If the court finds that the public body's denial was not reasonably justified, the court shall award the requester reasonable attorney's fees and costs. See 51 O.S. § 24A.17(B).
Additionally, a public official or employee who willfully violates the Oklahoma Open Records Act is subject to civil penalties of up to $500 and may be found guilty of a misdemeanor. See 51 O.S. § 24A.17(C)–(D).
Please direct any questions to me at the contact information listed below. Thank you for your prompt attention to this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]
Key Legal Authority
Statutes Cited
Case Law
Tulsa Tribune Co. v. Okla. Horse Racing Comm'n
1984 OK 97
The Open Records Act is to be construed broadly in favor of the public's right of access to government records.
Okla. Ass'n of Mun. Attorneys v. State
1978 OK 72
Exceptions to the Act must be narrowly construed in favor of disclosure. The burden falls on the public body to justify withholding records.
City of Midwest City v. House of Realty, Inc.
2008 OK 28
Unreasonable delay in responding to a records request may constitute a constructive denial actionable under § 24A.17.
Tips for a Successful Request
Be specific
The more precisely you describe the records — dates, names, case numbers, department — the faster the agency can locate them and the harder it is to claim your request is overbroad.
Name the right agency
Records are held by the agency that created or maintains them. If you are unsure, call the agency first. Sending a request to the wrong body gives the correct one an excuse for delay.
Keep a copy and note the date
Always retain a copy of your request and document when and how it was sent. If the agency does not respond, this establishes your timeline for a potential enforcement action.
Follow up promptly
If you do not receive a response within 3–5 business days, follow up by phone or email. Reference your original request date and the Act's requirement of "prompt, reasonable access."
Common Exemptions to Watch For
Agencies may claim these exemptions. If they do, demand the specific statutory citation:
Remember: even if an exemption applies to part of a record, the non-exempt portions must still be disclosed with redactions.
If Your Request Is Denied or Ignored
You have the right to file a civil action in Oklahoma district court under 51 O.S. § 24A.17. If the court finds the denial was not reasonably justified, it shall award you attorney's fees and costs. An employment or civil rights attorney can evaluate your situation and, in many cases, pursue enforcement at no upfront cost to you.
Questions About Your Legal Matter?
These resources provide general information. For guidance specific to your situation, contact Addison Law Firm.
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