What is the standard process for responding to a public records request?

• A. Ignore the request until the deadline arrives.
• B. Release information without reviewing exemptions.
• C. Delay beyond legal deadline without logging.
• D. Acknowledge receipt, determine what information is public vs exempt, respond within legal deadlines, and log the request.

Answer: (D)

Public records responses must follow a documented, timely process. The standard approach starts with acknowledging that the request has been received, then carefully determining which information is public and which is exempt from disclosure. After that assessment, the agency responds within the legal deadline, providing the records or a justified explanation of what is withheld (and often with redactions if appropriate). Logging the request creates a traceable record of what was asked, what was released or withheld, and when, which supports accountability and compliance.

Choosing to ignore the request until the deadline, release information without reviewing exemptions, or delay beyond the legal deadline without logging would violate open records requirements and undermine the purpose of such laws.