Colorado
Colorado Open Records Act
C.R.S. § 24-72-201 et seq.
Transparency Score: 95/100
Response Timeline
3 business days for initial response. May extend for additional 7 business days in cases of extenuating circumstances (e.g., voluminous records, records difficult to locate, consultation required). Note: SB 25-077 would increase to 5 days + 10 days extension if enacted.
Open to 'any person' - includes natural persons, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, firms, or associations per C.R.S. § 24-72-202(3)
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
Most agencies accept email requests. Digital records must be transmitted by email or mutually-agreed-upon method per C.R.S. § 24-72-203(3.5)(IV) (effective Aug 7, 2023).
Required Elements
- Requirement — Description of records sought with reasonable specificity
Optional Elements
- Optional — Name and mailing address
- Optional — Phone number or email for agency contact
- Optional — Relevant dates, names, contract/solicitation numbers
- Optional — Preferred format (paper or electronic)
Fees
Fees apply when request exceeds 25 pages (hard copy) or requires more than 1 hour of staff time. Maximum research rate is $41.37/hour. Agencies must provide fee estimate for large requests.
Fee Waivers
- Records primarily benefit public rather than requester
- Journalists and news organizations
- Nonprofit organizations conducting research for public benefit
Fee waivers are discretionary. Requesters should explain public interest or nonprofit/media status in request.
Exemptions
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PersonnelPersonnel files (except applications and performance ratings)
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Law EnforcementLaw enforcement investigation records and intelligence information
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Attorney ClientAttorney-client privileged communications and attorney work product
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Trade SecretsTrade secrets, proprietary, and confidential commercial/financial data
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Exam MaterialsTest questions and examination data for licensing, employment, or academic purposes
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Real EstateReal estate appraisals until title passes or negotiations end
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SecuritySecurity procedures, emergency plans, and architectural drawings revealing security systems
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Contact InfoEmail addresses, telephone numbers, home addresses provided for electronic communications
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ReferencesLetters of reference for employment, licensing, or academic admissions
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Sexual HarassmentSexual harassment complaints and investigations (with exceptions for findings)
CORA contains over 30 specific exemptions. Public interest balancing applies - agencies must show denial is contrary to public interest. Minor autopsy reports are exempt (effective Jan 1, 2025).
Appeal Process
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No administrative appeal process. Must file lawsuit in district court. Prevailing requesters entitled to mandatory attorney fees and costs per C.R.S. § 24-72-204(5).
Request Templates
Records Retention
C.R.S. 24-80-101 to 24-80-115
CRS 24-80-101 et seq. provides for preservation of permanent records and destruction of records no longer of value. All agencies and political subdivisions must consult with the State Archives on retention. No records may be destroyed without an approved retention schedule. The Archives Search database is searchable by name, record type, and time span.