Wyoming Public Records Law
The Wyoming Public Records Act, outlined in Title 16, Chapter 4, Article 2 of the Wyoming Statutes, allows public access to any physical information that a governmental entity creates, accepts, or acquires in the course of its official duties and public business unless it is privileged or confidential under law.
Where Do I Submit a Public Record Request in Wyoming?
In Wyoming, each governmental entity is mandated by law to designate a public records person to oversee the receipt and processing of public records requests. Therefore, you may submit your public records requests to the designated public records person of the relevant governmental entity. The contact information for these officers is available on the Wyoming Department of Administration and Information's official website.
How Do I Request Public Records in Wyoming?
You may request public records in Wyoming by taking the following steps:
- Identify the governmental entity that maintains the records you seek
- Contact the agency's designated public records custodian
- Submit your request in writing. Requests can be submitted in person, by mail, by fax, by email, or via online forms, depending on the governmental entity's policies
- Pay applicable fees
- Await a response and receive the requested public records
Several third-party websites offer online access to Wyoming public records, simplifying the process for obtaining these documents. However, it should be noted that the records available on these websites may not always be up-to-date.
What Records are Public in Wyoming?
There are various types of public records in Wyoming. Common examples include:
- Property Records: These include deeds, tax property records, tax assessments, mortgages, and land use permits.
- Judicial/Court Records: These comprise case files, court orders, bankruptcy filings, and judgments. Wyoming's case files include records generated across the state's trial court system, which consists of district courts, circuit courts, and municipal courts.
- Law Enforcement Records: These include arrest records, incident reports, inmate records, and sex offender records. However, some law enforcement records may be withheld if their disclosure is deemed contrary to the public interest.
- Government Financial Records: such as budgets, expenditure reports, contracts, and audit reports.
Who Can Request Public Records in Wyoming?
According to the Wyoming Public Records Act, any person has the right to inspect and request copies of public records. The term "person" includes an individual, partnership, corporation, joint stock company, or any other association or entity, public or private.
What Is the Response Time for Public Records Requests in Wyoming?
Public Records Persons (PRPs) are required to provide the requested record(s) within 30 calendar days from the date the request is received. However, this timeframe is dependent on certain factors such as the completeness of the request, whether the record is in the agency's custody, and whether all applicable fees have been paid.
If the designated PRP is unable to meet this deadline, they must notify the requester within 7 business days of receiving the request. This notification must include an explanation for the delay and a reasonable estimated timeframe for providing the record. If an agreement on a revised timeline cannot be reached, or if you believe the governmental entity has wrongfully denied or provided redacted records, you may file a complaint for review with the Wyoming Public Records Ombudsman.
What Is the Fee Charged for Providing Copies of Public Records?
PRPs in Wyoming are allowed to charge reasonable fees to cover the costs of copying records as well as labor costs for retrieving and preparing them. The specific cost of providing copies may vary depending on the agency or municipality, but it must reflect the actual cost of duplication.
What Records Are Exempted Under the Wyoming Public Law?
Certain records are exempt from public disclosure under Wyoming's Public Record Act. These exempt records are outlined in Wyoming Statutes § 16-4-203, and they include:
- Medical, psychological, and sociological records on individual persons, excluding coroner's verdicts and written dockets
- Personnel files, except employment contracts and specific information accessible to supervisors
- Letters of Reference
- Trade secrets, privileged information, and confidential commercial, financial, geological or geophysical data
- Libraries, archives, and museum materials provided by private individuals, subject to donor restrictions
- Hospital records
- Student records
- Library patron records
- Information is obtained through a 911 emergency call or a verification system for motor vehicle insurance or bond.
- Records of internal investigations unless disclosure is warranted
- Information regarding state technology and physical security systems
- Records from veterinary laboratories concerning contagious or toxic diseases
- Information submitted by farmers or landowners to engage in government programs
- Active investigation records and interagency communications
- Security and terrorism preparedness records
- Sensitive information on the locations of protected wildlife