Open Meetings & Public Records
Learn about your issue
About the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)
"FOIA" gives the public access to certain federal goverment records. At the federal level, the statute that grants the right to review public records is the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552. FOIA specifically provides that “any person” can request information from the government without requiring identification of the requestor or explanation of the purpose of the request. The term "records" is defined expansively to include all types of documentary information, such as papers, reports, letters, films, computer tapes, photographs and sound recordings.
Contacting U.S. Senators
All questions and comments regarding public policy issues, legislation, or requests for personal assistance should be directed to the senators from your state. Please be aware that as a matter of professional courtesy, many senators will acknowledge, but not respond to, a message from another senator's constituent.
Find your U.S. Congressional Representative
Link to the page to find out who your U.S. Representative is. You'll need your regular zip code plus the extra four (4) digits at the end. If you do not know the extra 4 digits, this site has a link to the U.S. Postal Service site, which will help you find your full zip code.
Local Ordinances in the Municipal Codes Online
Enter the name of any municipality (city) to find local ordinances at Municode online.
Make Public Records Request Letter Online
A service that makes letters to request public records from state or local sources. The form letter may not be right for every situation or source.
The Louisiana Public Records Act and How to Make a Public Records Request
Public records law is meant to ensure that public documents are preserved and open to view by the public. The Louisiana Public Records Act, La. R.S. 44:1-41, and Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution grants any person a right to examine and copy public documents in the possession of the state and its political subdivisions. The Public Records Act enables Louisiana residents to become knowledgeable about state and local governmental activities and, thus, to participate more effectively in public debate.