State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Kansas
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Kansas under the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) (est. 1984).
Overview of Public Records in Kansas
Kansas' Open Records Act establishes a clear presumption that government records are open to the public. KORA declares that it is the public policy of Kansas that public records shall be open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by the act. Kansas has a relatively straightforward records system organized at the county level, with 105 counties maintaining property, court, and vital records. The law applies to all state agencies, municipalities, counties, school districts, and other political subdivisions.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Kansas
Response Time
Agencies must act on requests 'as soon as possible.' For requests requiring compilation or extensive search, the agency must provide an estimated timeline. There is no hard statutory deadline.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge fees not exceeding the actual cost of providing the records. Typical per-page copy fees range from $0.25 to $0.50. Some agencies provide the first few pages at no charge.
How to Submit a Request
Requests may be made orally or in writing to the custodian of the records. Written requests are recommended for complex or sensitive requests to ensure documentation.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file suit in district court. The court may award costs and attorney fees to a prevailing requester. The attorney general can also issue advisory opinions on records disputes.
Types of Public Records Available in Kansas
Property Records
Property records in Kansas include deeds, mortgages, liens, plat maps, and property tax assessments. These records document real estate ownership, transfers, and encumbrances. They are typically maintained at the county level and are valuable for researching property history, verifying ownership, and conducting due diligence before purchasing real estate.
How property records work →Voter Registration
Voter registration records in Kansas contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Kansas election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Kansas court records encompass civil litigation, criminal cases, family law matters, probate proceedings, and small claims cases. These records are maintained by the state judiciary and are generally open to the public, with exceptions for sealed cases, juvenile proceedings, and certain family matters.
Guide to court records →Business Filings
Business filings in Kansas include articles of incorporation, annual reports, trade name registrations, and UCC filings. These records are maintained by the Secretary of State and provide information about business entities operating in the state, including their registered agents, officers, and current standing.
Searching business records →Vital Records
Kansas vital records include birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, and divorce decrees. These documents are maintained by the state's vital records office and are essential for establishing identity, proving familial relationships, and handling legal matters such as estate settlements.
Vital records overview →Campaign Finance
Campaign finance records in Kansas document political contributions, expenditures, and donor information for state and local elections. These records are maintained by the state's election commission or ethics board and are valuable for tracking political spending and identifying donor patterns.
Campaign finance explained →How to Access Kansas Public Records
To request records under KORA, submit a request to the records custodian at the relevant public agency. While written requests are not strictly required, they are recommended for documentation purposes. Agencies must respond within three business days with records or a denial citing specific exemptions. Kansas counties offer varying levels of online access to property records through their register of deeds and appraiser offices. The Kansas Judicial Branch provides a statewide case search through its online portal.
Online Access
Kansas district court records are available through the state judiciary's online portal. The Kansas Secretary of State provides online business entity searches. County appraiser offices maintain property record databases.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Kansas
While the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) establishes a strong presumption that government records are open to public inspection, certain categories of information are exempt from disclosure. Understanding these exemptions is important when submitting records requests in Kansas.
- Criminal investigation records in active cases
- Personnel records of government employees
- Software programs and data processing codes owned by government
- Attorney-client privileged records
- Medical treatment records of individuals
- Trade secrets and proprietary data submitted to agencies
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Kansas provides avenues for appeal. Contact the relevant oversight body or consult our guide to filing public records requests for tips on handling denials.
Key Laws and Regulations
Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)
Enacted: 1984
The Kansas Open Records Act is codified in Kansas Statutes Annotated Section 45-215 through 45-254. The act creates a strong presumption of openness and places the burden on government to justify withholding records. KORA was amended in 2015 to address digital communications and clarify that text messages and emails of public officials regarding government business are subject to disclosure. Kansas does not have a dedicated records ombudsman or enforcement body.
Key Features of Kansas's Records Law:
- Kansas has a three-business-day response deadline for records requests
- KORA explicitly covers digital communications including emails and texts of public officials
- Kansas allows oral records requests, though written requests are recommended
Kansas Public Records Facts
Kansas has 105 counties maintaining local government records
The Kansas Secretary of State maintains records for over 200,000 business entities
The state has approximately 1.9 million registered voters
Johnson County, the most populous, maintains extensive online property and court records
Search Kansas Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Kansas. Enter a name below to search public records in KS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kansas Public Records
How quickly must Kansas respond to records requests?
How do I access Kansas court records?
Are Kansas vital records available to the public?
How do I search Kansas property records?
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Additional Resources
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for educational purposes and reflects publicly available information about the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA). Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Kansas or consult a legal professional. OpenDataUSA is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA. Do not use information obtained from this site for employment, tenant screening, or credit decisions.