Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, and it's easy. Here's an explanation about how to edit or add pages. You can also add comments and files. If you click on the "files" button on the menu bar at the top of the screen, you'll be able to upload to this Wiki any files on your computer such as examples of open records requests you have filed or responses you have received.

This Wiki was created by Maverick. Maverick is an athlete and created a Wiki for her sport. That's where the name comes from! (Shameless plug here) In so doing, she (I) realized the applicability of Wiki-building to my day job at the Lucy Burns Institute. Come and visit me on the WikiFoia Forum (if it's your first time on the forum, you will be prompted to create a username & password) to get to know me better. Here are some pictures for those who like to put a face to a name.

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) is the name of the federal law enacted to enable a route for citizens to see what the government is doing. The idea behind the law is that we all have the right to know the ins-and-outs of our governing bodies, even though sometimes those in the government might prefer to keep information hidden.

Each state has its own version of the federal law. They are known by varying titles such as "Open Records law", "Public Information Access", "Right to Know", "sunshine laws", etc. They are all similar in intent, but very different in the details from one another. Links to each states' specific law is available here.

Do you have questions about how money is being spent by your county? Are you concerned about the level of training that bus drivers in your city or school district get? Do you wonder why one neighborhood was chosen over another for the new public swimming pool? These are all questions that can be answered by making a FOIA request! It is not always easy or obvious how to get answers to your questions, and that is the problem that this wiki hopes to address.

Share your stories and experiences with obtaining important information about state and local government through the open records process. When someone from your state contacts us looking for help, are you willing for us to refer that person to you? Let us know. If you are just getting started, then tell us here what you want to know! Ask questions on this wiki, and that will help us improve the information we are offering. All comments on these topics are welcome. Note the "comments" tab in the menu bar at the top of each page.

We're not attorneys. We help connect people with other people who might be able to help them with ideas, support and sharing of experiences. If you have read the How To Guide and looked at the laws in your state and still have lots of questions, then you're in the same boat as nearly everyone else. We encourage you to join the State Sunshine Google Group that we help sponsor which we believe gives you the best chance of finding the answers and support you might want.