What are the permissible responses to a request?
As of July 1, 2007, a public body must make 1 of the 5 responses allowed by FOIA:
  • Provide the requested records to the requester
  • The requested records are being entirely withheld because their release is prohibited by law or the custodian has exercised his discretion to withhold the records in accordance with FOIA
  • The requested records are being provided in part and are being withheld in part because the release of part of the records is prohibited by law or the custodian has exercised his discretion to withhold a portion of the records in accordance with FOIA
  • The requested records could not be found or do not exist. However, if the public body that received the request knows that another public body has the requested records, the response shall include contact information for the other public body
  • It is not practically possible to provide the requested records or to determine whether they are available within the 5 work day period, and the public body needs an additional seven work days in which to provide one of the four preceding responses.

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1. What is a public record under FOIA?
2. Are draft and preliminary versions also considered public records?
3. Who may make a FOIA request?
4. Must a request mention FOIA specifically?
5. Must a request be made in writing?
6. May the city require a requester to fill out a request form?
7. May the city require a requester to provide name and legal address?
8. How long does the city have to respond to a request?
9. What are the permissible responses to a request?