SF0049

Revises Wyoming's Public Records Act to accelerate request timelines, establish an extension process, authorize attorney referrals, standardize fees, and increase penalties for violations.

• Requires governmental entities to acknowledge receipt of public records requests within three business days. (W.S. 16-4-202(a))
• Shortens the deadline for releasing readily available public records from 30 to 10 calendar days from acknowledged receipt of the request. (W.S. 16-4-202(c)(ii) and (iii))
• Establishes a process allowing governmental entities to request extensions from the ombudsman for releasing records if good cause exists, with extensions not to exceed 30 additional calendar days or another date mutually agreed upon. (W.S. 16-4-202(c)(iv))
• Authorizes the ombudsman to refer matters involving non-compliance with record release deadlines or ombudsman orders to the attorney general or district attorney for court enforcement. (W.S. 16-4-203(f)(ii)(D))
• Requires all non-state governmental entities to use uniform fees for public records inspection and copying established by the Department of Administration and Information, unless charging lower fees or receiving ombudsman approval for higher fees based on good cause. (W.S. 16-4-204(e))
• Increases the penalty for knowing or intentional violations of the Public Records Act from $750 to $2,000 and authorizes courts to award reasonable attorney fees to prevailing applicants. (W.S. 16-4-205)

Effective: July 1, 2026

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