If a state or local agency denies your records request and/or fee waiver, you may appeal that request to the Attorney General by filling out a Sunshine Law Complaint. The Complaint form is available online and may be downloaded as a PDF. If you were unlawfully denied access to public records or meetings, the Attorney General may take legal action against the responsible agency.
C. Appeals Process
If you are dissatisfied with an agency’s response to your FOIA request, you may file an administrative appeal. The following agency determinations may warrant an appeal:
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- Refusal to release a record, either in whole or in part;
- Determination that a record does not exist or cannot be found;
- Determination that a request does not reasonably describe the records
- Determination that the record you sought was not subject to the FOIA;
- Denial of a request for expedited processing;
- Denial of a fee waiver request; or
- Fee category determination.
We recommend you seek legal advice when filing an appeal as there are specific rules to ensure that your appeal is received and is in a valid format.
