State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Kentucky
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Kentucky under the Kentucky Open Records Act (est. 1976).
Overview of Public Records in Kentucky
Kentucky's Open Records Act is considered one of the stronger public records laws in the United States, bolstered by a dedicated enforcement mechanism through the Attorney General's office. The law declares that free and open examination of public records is in the public interest and that the exceptions provided for by the act should be strictly construed. Kentucky's Attorney General has the authority to review records disputes and issue binding decisions, providing citizens with an affordable alternative to litigation.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Kentucky
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 5 business days by providing the records, denying the request with a cited exemption, or explaining when the records will be available for inspection or copying.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge a reasonable fee for copies, typically $0.10 per page. Fees for non-standard records are based on actual cost. No fees may be charged for inspection of records in person.
How to Submit a Request
Requests must be made in writing, including by email. The request must describe the records sought with reasonable specificity and may be submitted to any public agency in the state.
Appeal Process
The Kentucky Attorney General reviews appeals at no cost and issues binding opinions within 20 business days. These opinions carry the force of law unless overturned by a court on appeal.
Types of Public Records Available in Kentucky
Property Records
Property records in Kentucky 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 Kentucky contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Kentucky election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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
Kentucky 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 Kentucky 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 Kentucky Public Records
To request records in Kentucky, submit a written request describing the records sought to the official custodian of records at the relevant public agency. You should request records in writing and include your name and signature. Agencies must respond within five business days. If your request is denied, you can appeal to the Kentucky Attorney General, who must issue a decision within 20 business days. Kentucky county clerks maintain extensive records including property documents, and the Kentucky Court of Justice provides online access to case information.
Online Access
Kentucky Court of Justice provides online case information through CourtNet. County PVA (Property Valuation Administrator) offices maintain online property assessment data. The Secretary of State provides business entity searches.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Kentucky
While the Kentucky Open Records Act 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 Kentucky.
- Records containing information of a personal nature where disclosure would be a clearly unwarranted invasion of privacy
- Preliminary drafts and recommendations before final action
- Test questions and examination scoring data
- Real estate appraisals prior to government acquisition
- Law enforcement investigation files in active cases
- Attorney-client privileged records involving government counsel
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Kentucky 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
Kentucky Open Records Act
Enacted: 1976
The Kentucky Open Records Act is codified in Kentucky Revised Statutes Chapter 61.870-61.884. The act creates a presumption that government records are open and places the burden on the agency to justify withholding. The Attorney General's binding review process is a distinctive feature, providing a faster and cheaper alternative to court. The law was updated in 2021 to address issues related to body camera footage and law enforcement records.
Key Features of Kentucky's Records Law:
- Kentucky's Attorney General can issue legally binding decisions on records disputes
- The AG review process provides a free alternative to litigation
- Kentucky requires agencies to respond within five business days
- The state requires requesters to include their name and signature on written requests
Kentucky Public Records Facts
Kentucky has 120 counties, one of the highest counts in the nation
The Kentucky Secretary of State maintains records for over 300,000 business entities
The state has approximately 3.5 million registered voters
Kentucky county clerks maintain property records dating back to the late 1700s in many counties
Search Kentucky Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Kentucky. Enter a name below to search public records in KY.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kentucky Public Records
How do I appeal a records denial in Kentucky?
How do I access Kentucky court records?
Are Kentucky property records online?
How do I get Kentucky vital 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 Kentucky Open Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Kentucky 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.