Louisiana Public Records Act

Response Timeline

3 working days to respond (La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:32). Reasonable extensions allowed for voluminous requests but no fixed statutory extension period. One of the shortest response deadlines among US states.

Governor's office: Louisiana residents only (§44:31.1(B)(1)). All other agencies: any person who has reached the age of majority may request records. This creates a split standard depending on which office receives the request.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

• Written — Email, mail, or fax
• In person — Accepted at agency offices during business hours
• Online portal — Some agencies accept online requests

Requests may be written or oral. Written requests recommended for documentation. In-person inspection available during business hours.

Required Elements

• Description of records sought
• Contact information for response

Optional Elements

• Preferred format
• Preferred delivery method

Fees

No examination fee during business hours. Reasonable copying costs only. After-hours access may require reasonable compensation. No search or review fees are permitted. One of the more affordable state records laws.

Fee Waivers

• Examination of records during business hours is always free

Examination of records during business hours is free by statute. No formal fee waiver program for copies.

Exemptions

• Pending litigation
  Records pertaining to pending litigation against the custodian (§44:4)
• Personnel disciplinary
  Personnel records and disciplinary actions (§44:11)
• Trade secrets
  Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
• Attorney client
  Attorney-client privileged communications
• Confidential informants
  Identity of confidential informants
• Security systems
  Security system plans and emergency procedures (§44:1(A)(2)(b))
• Medical
  Medical and psychiatric records
• Juvenile
  Juvenile records and proceedings
• Tax returns
  Individual tax returns and financial records
• Sealed bids
  Sealed bids and proposals prior to opening

Exemptions are construed narrowly. The custodian bears the burden of proving an exemption applies. Louisiana courts generally favor disclosure.

Appeal Process

Direct to District Court with priority handling. No administrative appeal body. Burden of proof is on the custodial agency. Court proceedings are expedited.

Request Templates

Records Retention

La. R.S. 44:401-44:423

View retention law →

Retention schedule catalog →

State and local agencies must submit records retention schedules to the State Archives for approval under La. R.S. 44:411, with schedules requiring renewal every five years. Without an approved schedule, public records must be preserved for at least three years.

Sources & References

• Full text of law →
• Primary source →
• RCFP Open Government Guide — Louisiana →
• NFOIC State FOI Resources →