How to File a Public Records Request in Wyoming
The Wyoming Public Records Act (W.S. §§ 16-4-201 through 16-4-205) guarantees any person — regardless of residency — the right to inspect and copy public records held by state agencies, counties, cities, school districts, and other political subdivisions. The Act defines public records broadly to include any information in physical form created, accepted, or obtained by a governmental entity in furtherance of official business, including paper documents, electronic communications, photographs, and recordings. Each governmental entity must designate a specific public records person to receive all requests. The Act does not prescribe a rigid deadline for producing records, but custodians must notify applicants within seven business days if records are unavailable or if good cause exists for delay. When delay occurs, the agency must negotiate an extended release date with the requester. The burden of justifying withholding rests on the agency.
The Wyoming Public Records Act
- Statutory Citation
- Wyoming Statutes §§ 16-4-201 through 16-4-205
- Response Deadline
- 7 business days
- Fee Provisions
- Under W.S. § 16-4-204, requesters have the right to inspect printed public records at no charge; a fee may not be imposed simply for making a record available for inspection. However, custodians may charge a reasonable fee for copying, printouts, or photographs. For electronic records, the reasonable costs of producing a copy are borne by the requester. Agencies must first have fee authority through a duly enacted statute, rule, resolution, or ordinance before assessing any charge (W.S. § 16-4-204(c)). The Public Records Ombudsman has authority to waive fees charged by a governmental entity in appropriate circumstances.
- Key Exemptions
- Exemptions under W.S. § 16-4-203 include: law enforcement investigation records, intelligence information, and security procedures of sheriffs, police departments, city and county attorneys, and prosecutors; test questions and examination data; sealed bids; personnel files (though employment contracts and salary terms are public); real estate appraisals prior to property acquisition; medical records of publicly funded hospitals; attorney-client privileged communications; and certain agricultural operation data. A balancing test also applies: courts may weigh privacy interests against the public's right to know even for records not covered by enumerated exemptions.
- Appeal Process
- A requester denied access may ask the custodian for a written explanation citing the legal authority for denial (W.S. § 16-4-203(f)). The requester may then file a complaint with the Wyoming Public Records Ombudsman — designated by the Governor under W.S. § 16-4-201(c) — who can mediate the dispute, prescribe timelines, and waive fees. Alternatively, the requester may petition the district court where the records are located for a show-cause order requiring the custodian to justify withholding. A knowing or intentional violation is subject to a civil penalty of up to $750 under W.S. § 16-4-205, recoverable in a civil action initiated by the attorney general or county attorney. Note: Wyoming does not currently provide for automatic attorney fee awards to prevailing requesters.
- Ombudsman
- Wyoming created a Public Records Ombudsman role in 2019 under W.S. § 16-4-201(c), with the ombudsman designated by the Governor. The ombudsman can receive complaints, mediate disputes between requesters and agencies, and prescribe timelines or waive fees — accessible through the Governor's office at governor.wyo.gov/contact/public-records-ombudsman.
City FOIA Guides in Wyoming
Select a city below for a detailed guide on how to file a public records request with that municipality.
Need Help with Public Records in Wyoming?
If you're dealing with missing records or unresponsive agencies in Wyoming, Project Paper Trail can help you follow the paper trail on development approvals.
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