Open Records Laws › United States › Nevada

Nevada

Nevada Public Records Act

NRS 239.010 et seq.

Open Records Transparency: 62/100 (good) Transparency Score: 62/100

Response Timeline

Nevada has no fixed statutory deadline for responding to public records requests. The statute requires agencies to make records available for inspection during office hours. Agencies must respond within a 'reasonable' time.

No residency requirement. Any person may request public records regardless of location or citizenship.

How to Submit a Request

Accepted Methods

  • Written — Email, mail, or delivered to agency
  • In person — Accepted at agency offices during business hours
  • Oral — Oral requests accepted

No specific format required. Requests may be oral or written. Must describe records with enough specificity for the agency to locate them.

Required Elements

  • Description of records requested
  • Requester contact information

Optional Elements

  • Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
  • Fee waiver request

Fees

NRS 239.052(1) limits fees to actual cost. CRITICALLY, agencies CANNOT charge for: (1) determining if a record is public, (2) searching for or retrieving records, (3) staff time, (4) allowing use of personal copying devices, or (5) recouping technology development costs (NAC 239.864). This is one of the most requester-friendly fee structures in the nation. Agencies must adopt written fee waiver policies (NRS 239.052(2)).

Fee Waivers

  • Agencies must adopt written policies for fee waivers (NRS 239.052(2))
  • Requesters may use personal devices to copy records at no cost
  • Agencies may waive fees per their written policy

NRS 239.052(2) requires agencies to adopt written fee waiver policies. Requesters have the right to use personal devices (phones, cameras) to copy records at no charge. This effectively provides free access for inspection and personal copying.

Exemptions

  • Records declared confidential by law (NRS 239.010)
  • Personal identifying information that could lead to identity theft (NRS 239.0105)
  • Library patron records (NRS 239.013)
  • Criminal history records maintained by law enforcement (NRS 179A.070)
  • Concealed firearms permit applications and records (NRS 202.3662)
  • Attorney-client privileged communications
  • Trade secrets and proprietary commercial information
  • Personnel records containing personal information
  • Medical records and personal health information
  • Records relating to security and critical infrastructure

Nevada uses a broad 'confidential by law' framework where exemptions are scattered throughout the NRS rather than consolidated in Chapter 239. The personal identifying information exemption (NRS 239.0105) and concealed firearms exemption (NRS 202.3662) are specific to Nevada. Agencies bear the burden of proving confidentiality.

Appeal Process

1

1

File petition for writ of mandamus in district court (NRS 239.011) to compel disclosure

Nevada has no administrative appeal process for public records denials. Requesters must file a petition for writ of mandamus directly in district court under NRS 239.011. This is a judicial proceeding. Court reviews denials de novo.

Request Templates

NFOIC Nevada Sample Request →

National Freedom of Information Coalition

RCFP Open Government Guide - Nevada →

Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press

MuckRock Nevada Guide →

MuckRock

Records Retention

Retention Law
Public Records Act (Disposal of Obsolete Records)
Authority
Nevada State Library, Archives and Public Records (NSLAPR)

NRS 239.073-239.125

View retention law →

Retention schedule catalog →

The Committee to Approve Schedules for the Retention and Disposition of Official State Records (established 1993 under NRS 239.073) must approve all state record dispositions. The committee meets at least quarterly, chaired by the Secretary of State.

Sources & References