Quick Clicks

Wikifoia.com

Wikifoia.com is a website for helping people understand and use the Freedom of Information Act at the state and local level. Each state has a dedicated page where laws are explained. Wikifoia.com also has letter generators and other practical tips.

Arizona Ombudsman Office

The Arizona Ombudsman website has information about public records and open meetings requests, where to send requests, and other valuable resources.

Arizona Public Records Book

This book was compiled by the Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide to help citizens find laws regarding Arizona Public Records, excerpts from the Arizona Agency Handbook, and recent changes to Arizona’s Public Records Law.

How-to-Guides

Wikifoia.com has a comprehensive how-to guide. So does the First Amendment Center. The Arizona Ombudsman offers 7 easy steps to obtaining public records.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

This organization’s website has information on filing FOIA requests, FOIA related news stories, and many other FOIA resources, including an excellent Open Government Guide that features frequently asked questions about open records and open meetings in Arizona. There is a guide available for all 50 states. They also have a helpful section on their site called Question and Answers with a FOIA Expert.

FOIA attorneys

This website gives you access to attorneys throughout the country who specialize in FOIA requests.

What is the Freedom of Information Act?

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) was a 1966 act which gave Americans increased access to federal government documents and records. It was amended in 1996 by the Electronic Freedom of Information Act amendments to provide access to this information electronically.

What is a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request?

A Freedom of Information Act request is a request filed to receive federal government records.

What information is public?

Government records like letters, papers, reports, films, computer tapes, photographs and sound recordings possessed or controlled by a government agency are considered public. There are several exemptions: messages or calendars created for personal convenience rather than official agency purpose are exempt, confidential personnel matters, as well as physical objects which cannot be reproduced.

For more information, read How to Use the Federal FOI Act.

Public records in Arizona

The Arizona Public Records Law outlines the duties of officers and public bodies to maintain records, defines what qualifies as a public record, the rights of citizens to examine these records, and whether an individual may incur fees in obtaining these records.

The Arizona Ombudsman has published an online book that explains the Public Records laws in detail.

What is the Arizona Open Meetings Law?

The Arizona Open Meetings Law states that “[a]ll meetings of any public body shall be public meetings and all persons so desiring shall be permitted to attend and listen to the deliberations and proceedings.” Individuals attending meetings are allowed to record the meetings with a “tape recorder or camera or any other means of sonic reproduction, provided that there is no active interference with the conduct of the meeting.”

For more information on Arizona’s Open Meeting Law, read Open Meeting Law 101. The Arizona Ombudsman also offers a helpful guide.

Where can I learn to file an Arizona Public Records Request?

The Arizona Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide provides a 7-step guide to obtaining public records.

The Student Press Law Center offers a free state public records request letter generator.