Wyoming
Wyoming Public Records Act
Wyo. Stat. § 16-4-201 et seq.
Transparency Score: 68/100
Response Timeline
No fixed statutory response deadline. Records must be available for inspection during regular business hours. The Public Records Ombudsman (created 2019) may mediate disputes over delays.
No residency requirement. Any person may request records.
How to Submit a Request
Accepted Methods
No specific format required. Written requests recommended. Request should identify the records sought with reasonable specificity. No requirement to state purpose of request.
Required Elements
- Description of records sought
- Contact information for response
Optional Elements
- Preferred format (paper vs electronic)
- Preferred delivery method
Fees
No inspection fees for printed records. Reasonable search and retrieval fees for electronic records. Reasonable duplication costs. No statutory fee schedule - 'reasonable' standard applies.
Fee Waivers
- Inspection of printed records is always free
- Agencies may waive fees at discretion
Inspection of printed records is free by statute. No explicit fee waiver provision for copies; agencies may waive at discretion.
Exemptions
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Law enforcement investigatory records (§16-4-203(b)(i))
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Medical and psychological records (§16-4-203(d)(i))
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Personnel records (§16-4-203(d)(iii))
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Trade secrets and confidential commercial information (§16-4-203(d)(v))
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Security and terrorism-related records (§16-4-203(b)(vi))
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'Substantial injury to public interest' catch-all exemption (§16-4-203(g))
Wyoming has a broad 'substantial injury to public interest' catch-all exemption (§16-4-203(g)) that allows agencies to withhold records not otherwise exempt if disclosure would cause substantial injury. This catch-all is unusual among states and gives agencies significant discretion.
Appeal Process
1
Request written explanation from the custodian stating reasons for denial.
2
Contact the Public Records Ombudsman (created 2019) for mediation of disputes.
3
Seek district court order requiring custodian to show cause why records should not be disclosed.
Three-step process: written explanation from custodian, optional Ombudsman mediation (since 2019), then district court order to show cause. Attorney fees are not addressed in the statute. The Ombudsman provides a free, informal mediation option.
Request Templates
NFOIC Wyoming Sample Request →
National Freedom of Information Coalition
RCFP Open Government Guide - Wyoming →
Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press
MuckRock Wyoming Guide →
MuckRock
Records Retention
Wyo. Stat. Sections 9-2-405 through 9-2-413
All public records are property of the state (9-2-410). The State Records Committee approves retention schedules that mandate retention periods for each record type. Agencies must contact their Records Analyst for guidance on applicable schedules.