A law that grants public access to government-held records unless specific exemptions apply.
Definition
An Open Records Act is legislation enacted by jurisdictions to provide the public with the right to access records held by government agencies, promoting transparency and accountability; these laws typically include exemptions for sensitive information such as privacy, security, or law enforcement materials.
Why It Matters
Understanding the Open Records Act is critical for researchers and investigators seeking access to government documents and data that are not otherwise publicly available, as it sets the legal framework for requesting and obtaining such records.