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Guides

How records requests, public meetings and local government actually work — written for people who need to get something done, not for lawyers. The paid downloads are the forms and trackers that go with these.

Published

Public records

01

Writing a request that actually gets answered

Most requests don't get refused, they stall. Seven things that stop that happening — works in any state.

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In preparation

Coming next

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Finding the right custodian

The single biggest reason a request goes unanswered is that it went to the wrong office.

 Drafting
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When the answer is a fee estimate

How to read a charge, what it can cover, and how to narrow scope without losing what you're after.

 Drafting
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Reading a set of board minutes

What minutes leave out, what the agenda packet holds, and how to find the decision behind the vote.

 Drafting
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Before you go to a public meeting

What to read first, what you can ask for in advance, and the rules about speaking.

 Drafting

New guides, as they're published

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Educational resources — not legal advice.

These guides explain general practice. They are not legal advice, they do not address any particular state's statute unless they say so, and reading them does not create an attorney–client relationship.