Section 4.23 Response to Requests for Records

• Library: Local Government Deskbook (2017 Ed.)

E. (§4.23) Response to Requests for Records

Public entities cannot require requests for records to be in written form. Nevertheless, it is good practice to make these requests in writing, and many entities have suggested forms for requests to help clarify exactly what is being requested. The public entity cannot require the requestor to give a reason for making a request, but voluntarily explaining the reason for a request may help the entity identify the appropriate records. For further study on this issue, see Anderson v. Village of Jacksonville, 103 S.W.3d 190, 196 (Mo. App. W.D. 2003).

The request must be for an existing...