Kansas Open Records Act

Under Kansas law, citizens have the right to access public records. The Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) dictates what records are open to the public.

Access to Open Records

You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records that the Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services maintains which are not otherwise exempt from disclosure by the KORA.

The KORA does not require SRS to answer questions or prepare reports. SRS is only required to provide public records that already exist. There is no requirement for SRS to create a record at your request.

You will be charged a reasonable fee, not exceeding actual cost, for the staff time required in processing your request and a fee of $0.25 per page for copying. An additional charge may be assessed for supervision, faxing, and computer searches. SRS requires payment prior to any records being made available to the requestor.

Your request for public record will be acted on by the end of the third business day from when your written request was received. If it takes longer than three business days, you will be notified by SRS. Reasons for additional time may include, but are not limited to, voluminous records, complicated request parameters, unresolved legal issues, or difficulty in accessing public records.

Your request may be denied in whole or in part. If the request is denied, SRS will identify generally the records denied, and the specific legal authority for the denial.

What Records are Available

Most records maintained by public entities are open for public inspection and copying. Records commonly requested include, but are not limited to, the following:

1. Statutes
2. Regulations
3. Policies
4. Salaries of Public Officials
5. Final Agency Budget Documents

Exemptions to the Kansas Open Records Act

SRS recognizes that certain records contain private or privileged information. Exceptions included, but not limited to, the following:

1. Certain personnel information of public employees
2. Medical treatment records
3. Records protected by the attorney-client privilege or an attorney work product
4. Records closed by the rules of evidence
5. Records containing personal information
6. Notes and preliminary drafts
7. Criminal investigations
8. Records otherwise required by law to be confidential

A list of additional exceptions can be found at K.S.A. 45-221.

How to Request a Public Record

You can obtain access to SRS public records by contacting the Freedom of Information Officer at 785-296-3271 to determine if the record you need exists or is available.

You will be asked to submit your request in writing. Please be as specific as possible in describing the public record you want.

Send your written request to:

SRS Freedom of Information Officer
Kansas Department of Social and Rehabilitation Services
915 SW Harrison ST., 6th floor
Topeka, KS  66612-1354

Alternatively, you may fax your request to 785-296-4685.