How Records Work

Explains the legal framework and structure behind US public records systems.

A Plain-Language Guide to Sunshine Laws
Featured · How Records Work

A Plain-Language Guide to Sunshine Laws

Sunshine laws require government meetings and records to be open. This guide breaks down what they cover, why they exist, and how they vary by state.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · Feb 13, 2025
Digitization of Public Records: What Changed and What Didn't
How Records Work

Digitization of Public Records: What Changed and What Didn't

Moving government records online expanded access in some ways—and created new barriers in others. A balanced look at what digitization…

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 7 min · Jun 19, 2026
Federal vs. State Public Records Laws: Key Differences
How Records Work

Federal vs. State Public Records Laws: Key Differences

Federal and state governments follow different transparency rules. Here's how those frameworks diverge and what that means for records access.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 6 min · Jun 20, 2026
How Custodial Agencies Decide What to Release
How Records Work

How Custodial Agencies Decide What to Release

Government agencies follow legal guidelines, internal policies, and redaction standards when responding to records requests. Here's how that process works.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · May 11, 2023
How Public Records Are Created, Stored, and Maintained
How Records Work

How Public Records Are Created, Stored, and Maintained

From paper filings to digital databases, understand the lifecycle of a government record and which agencies are responsible for keeping them.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 9 min · May 7, 2026
Nine Categories of Records That Are Typically Exempt from Disclosure
How Records Work

Nine Categories of Records That Are Typically Exempt from Disclosure

Public records laws include important exemptions. Explore the most common categories—from national security to personal privacy—that limit disclosure.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 7 min · Jul 8, 2026
Open Records vs. Open Meetings: Two Pillars of Government Transparency
How Records Work

Open Records vs. Open Meetings: Two Pillars of Government Transparency

Open records and open meetings laws are related but distinct. See how each one works and together how they hold government accountable.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 21, 2025
Sealing, Expunging, and Redacting: How Records Get Restricted
How Records Work

Sealing, Expunging, and Redacting: How Records Get Restricted

Courts and agencies can limit access to certain records through sealing, expungement, or redaction. Learn what each process means and when it applies.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 6 min · May 29, 2024
State-by-State Differences in Public Records Access
How Records Work

State-by-State Differences in Public Records Access

Each US state has its own public records statute. This reference breaks down the key variables—fees, timelines, exemptions—that differ across jurisdictions.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 6 min · Dec 12, 2025
The Freedom of Information Act Explained
How Records Work

The Freedom of Information Act Explained

Understand what FOIA does, who it applies to, and how it shapes public access to federal government records in the United States.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · Jul 10, 2024
The Role of the Privacy Act in Limiting Public Records
How Records Work

The Role of the Privacy Act in Limiting Public Records

The federal Privacy Act of 1974 protects certain personal information held by the government. Learn how it intersects with—and sometimes restricts—public records.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · May 18, 2025
Understanding Government Record Retention Schedules
How Records Work

Understanding Government Record Retention Schedules

Agencies don't keep records forever. Retention schedules determine how long documents must be preserved before they can be destroyed or archived.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · Mar 12, 2023
What Happens After a Records Request Is Filed
How Records Work

What Happens After a Records Request Is Filed

Filing a public records request is just the first step. Understand how agencies process, review, and respond to requests—and what to do if they don't.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 7 min · Apr 14, 2023
What Makes a Government Record 'Public'?
How Records Work

What Makes a Government Record 'Public'?

Not every government document is open to the public. Learn the legal criteria that determine whether a record is classified as public or restricted.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · May 23, 2024
Widely Believed Myths About Public Records Access
How Records Work

Widely Believed Myths About Public Records Access

Many people assume public records are either totally open or mostly secret. The truth is more nuanced—these common misconceptions debunked.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 7 min · Jan 6, 2023
Your Rights Under US Public Records Law: A Practical Overview
How Records Work

Your Rights Under US Public Records Law: A Practical Overview

US transparency laws give the public meaningful rights to government information. This overview explains what those rights are, their limits, and how to use them.

By Public Records 101 Editorial Team · 8 min · Feb 4, 2026