North Carolina Public Records Law

= Short Description =

Who is covered?
Governor: Covered

Legislature: Covered with a few small exceptions

Courts: Covered

Advisory Committees: Covered

What is the process like?
Anyone may request records. There are no set procedures for making a request. Oral requests are welcome and common, there are only two instances in which a written request is required. There are no specific time limits set for responding to requests. Requests can be addressed to almost any public employee that may have access to relevant records. Unless specifically covered by law agencies can only charge the actual cost of copying documents. In practice, many agencies don't charge for copies responding to routine requests.

Most recent changes?
In 1975 the law was amended to extend to electronic records.

In 1995 the law was amended to stipulate that copies of public records could be obtained for free or at minimal cost.

= Legislation =

The following are bills introduced in 2011:

= Articles, Blog Posts, etc =
 * N.C. open records requests can drag on - News and Observer, Mar. 12, 2011