Alaska
Alaska Public Records Act
AS 40.25.110 et seq.
Transparency Score: 62/100
Response Timeline
Alaska has no fixed statutory deadline for responding to public records requests. Agencies must provide access within a 'reasonable' time. The statute does not define what constitutes a reasonable timeframe.
No residency requirement. Any person may request public records regardless of location or citizenship.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
No specific format required. Requests should describe records with reasonable specificity so the agency can identify and locate them.
Required Elements
- Description of records requested (reasonably specific)
- Requester contact information for response
Optional Elements
- Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
- Preferred delivery method
Fees
AS 40.25.110 allows agencies to charge fees for the search, review, and duplication of records at actual cost. Fees must be reasonably calculated to reflect actual costs. Agencies may not profit from records requests.
Fee Waivers
- Agencies may waive or reduce fees at their discretion
No statutory fee waiver provision. Agencies may exercise discretion in waiving fees for small requests.
Exemptions
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Records reflecting the prior prior deliberative process of agency decision-making (AS 40.25.120(4))
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Records made confidential by federal or state law (AS 40.25.120(1))
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Victim identifying information (AS 40.25.120(10))
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Personnel records, medical and similar files, disclosure of which would constitute unwarranted invasion of privacy (AS 40.25.120(3))
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Medical and related files (AS 40.25.120(3))
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Trade secrets and proprietary commercial or financial information (AS 40.25.120(7))
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Records protected by attorney-client privilege
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Law enforcement records compiled for law enforcement purposes (AS 40.25.120(5))
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Real estate appraisal reports until final negotiation (AS 40.25.120(6))
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Oil and gas well data and geological information (AS 40.25.120(8))
Exemptions are listed in AS 40.25.120. The deliberative process exemption is notable and protects pre-decisional, deliberative communications. Alaska courts apply a balancing test weighing public interest in disclosure against privacy interests.
Appeal Process
1
Request review by the agency head or designated appeals officer
2
Contact the AG's office for assistance with state agency denials
3
File civil action in Superior Court to compel disclosure
Requesters may pursue an administrative appeal within the agency. The Attorney General's office may provide assistance. Ultimately, requesters can file suit in Superior Court. The court reviews denials de novo.
Request Templates
Alaska Public Records Act Request
Records Retention
Alaska Stat. §40.21.010–40.21.150
The State Archivist reviews and approves all agency records retention schedules. RIMS maintains a General Administrative Records Retention and Disposition Schedule (GARRDS) plus agency-specific schedules.