How to File a Public Records Request in Louisiana
Louisiana's Public Records Law, codified at La. R.S. Title 44, §§ 44:1 et seq., guarantees any person of the age of majority the right to inspect, copy, or reproduce public records held by state and local government agencies. The law is rooted in Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, which declares that no person shall be denied the right to examine public documents except as established by law. Public records are broadly defined to include all documentary materials — books, accounts, recordings, emails, and electronic data — prepared or used in the conduct of government business. The custodian must respond immediately if the record is available, or within three business days if a determination of exemption is required. The Louisiana Supreme Court has instructed that the law be construed liberally, with any doubt resolved in favor of access, and the burden of justifying withholding falls entirely on the custodian.
The Louisiana Public Records Law
- Statutory Citation
- Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44, §§ 44:1 through 44:41 (Louisiana Public Records Law)
- Response Deadline
- 3 business days
- Fee Provisions
- Inspection of public records during regular office hours is free of charge under La. R.S. 44:32(C)(3). For copies, state agencies must use the uniform fee schedule established by the Commissioner of Administration — a minimum of $0.25 per page for standard paper copies. Non-state agencies, including municipalities like Broussard, may establish their own reasonable fee schedules, which must be publicly posted. Advance payment may be required. Indigent citizens may obtain copies free of charge or at reduced cost. No fee may be charged merely to determine whether a record is subject to disclosure.
- Key Exemptions
- Exemptions under La. R.S. 44:1 et seq. and 44:4.1 include: active law enforcement investigative records; juvenile court and family law files; medical and health records; personnel performance evaluations; attorney-client communications; trade secrets and proprietary business information; certain security and infrastructure data; and records of ongoing criminal prosecutions. All exemptions must be grounded in statute or the Louisiana Constitution — agencies may not invent their own exemptions. The custodian must assert any exemption in writing within three business days, citing the specific statutory basis.
- Appeal Process
- If a custodian denies a request or fails to respond within five business days (exclusive of weekends and legal holidays), the requester may file a civil suit in the district court for the parish where the custodian's office is located under La. R.S. 44:35. The court reviews the matter de novo, with the burden on the custodian. Remedies include injunctive relief, a writ of mandamus ordering production, actual damages, and civil penalties of up to $100 per day for arbitrary failure to respond. Attorney fees and costs may also be awarded to a prevailing requester. There is no formal administrative appeal requirement before filing suit.
- Ombudsman
- Louisiana does not have a dedicated public records ombudsman. Requesters who need guidance or assistance may contact the Louisiana Attorney General's Office, which periodically issues opinions on public records law, or the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana (PARC), a nonpartisan organization that publishes resources on citizens' sunshine law rights.
City FOIA Guides in Louisiana
Select a city below for a detailed guide on how to file a public records request with that municipality.
Need Help with Public Records in Louisiana?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Louisiana, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
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