LibGuides: Freedom of Information Act (FOIA): Requests of State Agencies

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Open Government Guide(s) (Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press)
Provides links to extensive information for each state, providing users guidance for accessing state records.
Ballotpedia's State Sunshine Laws list
"Sunshine laws" are laws that lay out the process for requesting access to government records. Each state will have varying processes.

Websites of State Agencies

The largest and most populous states tend to have the most case law and long-standing regulations concerning the Freedom of Information Act and its interpretation in state courts. The following links will take you to the FOIA-related pages for those states.

Public Records Requests from the State of California
This page features an online California public records request form. Requests go directly to the Public Records Coordinator of the Attorney General’s Office.
FAQs about Public Records Requests in California
Additional information about public records requests in California.
Public Information Act Request Form from the Texas Office of the Attorney General
The Texas Attorney General has made a public information request form available only recently (2019) as a result of the Texas Public Information Act (PIA). There's additional information about PIAs in the link below.
How to Request Public Information (Texas Office of the Attorney General)
While Texas recently created a public information request form linked above, it's not necessary to use the form. This page tells you how to request public information without the form.
Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) from New York's Committee on Open Government
New York state has one of the oldest and long-established FOIA-related laws. Here you'll find information on how to make FOIL requests of New York state agencies, case law, FAQs. and more.

5200 N. Lake Road
Merced, CA 95343
library@ucmerced.edu
(209) 228-4444

Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

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Websites of State Agencies

Sample Request Letters