State Public Records Guide
Public Records in Mississippi
Your comprehensive guide to accessing public records in Mississippi under the Mississippi Public Records Act (est. 1983).
Overview of Public Records in Mississippi
Mississippi's Public Records Act provides citizens with the right to access records maintained by public bodies throughout the state. The law establishes that public records are the property of the state and that citizens have a right to inspect and copy them. Mississippi's Ethics Commission oversees compliance with public records requirements and can investigate complaints. The state's 82 counties maintain extensive local records through chancery clerks, who serve as the primary custodians of county-level records including property documents.
Quick Reference: Requesting Records in Mississippi
Response Time
Agencies must respond within 7 working days. If additional time is needed, the agency must provide written notice and fulfill the request within 14 working days of the original request.
Fees and Costs
Agencies may charge for actual costs of searching and duplicating records. Standard copy fees are typically $0.50 per page. The first $1.00 of search time is provided free of charge.
How to Submit a Request
Requests should be made in writing to the custodian of the records. Email requests are generally accepted. The requester does not need to state a reason for requesting the records.
Appeal Process
Requesters may file suit in circuit court or chancery court. The Mississippi Ethics Commission provides guidance on open records matters and can investigate complaints of noncompliance.
Types of Public Records Available in Mississippi
Property Records
Property records in Mississippi 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 Mississippi contain information about registered voters including names, addresses, party affiliation, and voting history. The availability of voter data varies based on Mississippi election law and may be subject to restrictions on permitted uses and commercial distribution.
Understanding voter records →Court Records
Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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
Mississippi 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 Mississippi 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 Mississippi Public Records
To request public records in Mississippi, submit a written request to the public body that maintains the records. Agencies must respond within seven working days. If access is denied, you can file a complaint with the Mississippi Ethics Commission. Mississippi counties maintain property records through chancery clerk offices, and the Mississippi Judiciary provides online access to appellate court opinions. The Secretary of State's office offers online business entity searches.
Online Access
Mississippi Secretary of State provides online business entity searches. Court records access varies by county, with some offering online portals. Chancery clerk offices maintain property and land records.
Key Exemptions and Restrictions in Mississippi
While the Mississippi Public 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 Mississippi.
- Personnel records of public employees beyond basic employment information
- Tax returns and individual tax information
- Individual medical records
- Attorney-client privileged communications involving government
- Active criminal investigation files
- Trade secrets and proprietary data submitted to agencies
If you believe records have been improperly withheld, Mississippi 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
Mississippi Public Records Act
Enacted: 1983
Mississippi's Public Records Act is codified in Mississippi Code Section 25-61-1 through 25-61-17. The act establishes that all public records are open for inspection by any person unless otherwise provided by law. The Mississippi Ethics Commission was given oversight authority for the act. The law was updated in 2016 to address electronic records and clarify fee provisions. Mississippi also has a separate Open Meetings Act.
Key Features of Mississippi's Records Law:
- Mississippi's Ethics Commission oversees public records compliance and can investigate complaints
- The state uses chancery clerks as the primary county-level record custodians
- Mississippi has a seven-working-day response deadline for records requests
Mississippi Public Records Facts
Mississippi has 82 counties with chancery clerk offices maintaining local records
The Mississippi Secretary of State maintains records for over 200,000 business entities
The state has approximately 2 million registered voters
Mississippi chancery court records include property, estate, and family law matters
Search Mississippi Public Records
Use OpenDataUSA to find publicly available records across Mississippi. Enter a name below to search public records in MS.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Public Records
How quickly must Mississippi respond to records requests?
How do I access Mississippi court records?
How do I search Mississippi property records?
How do I get Mississippi 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 Mississippi Public Records Act. Laws and procedures change over time. For the most current requirements, contact the relevant oversight agency in Mississippi 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.