Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)

Exceptions to KORA

The KORA recognizes that certain records contain private or privileged information. The Act lists several exceptions, including:

• Personnel information of public employees
• Medical treatment records
• Records protected by attorney-client privilege
• Records closed by the rules of evidence
• Records containing personal information compiled for Census purposes
• Notes and preliminary drafts
• Criminal investigation records

A list of additional exemptions can be found in K.S.A. 45-221

The Department of Labor may not release records maintained pursuant to Employment Security Law. Under Kansas law, these records are confidential and are not open to public inspection. K.S.A. 44-714(e). This means that the records we maintain regarding Unemployment Insurance Benefits and Wage Information provided by employers and employees are not public records. Employment and Training records also may not be opened.

Requesting a Record

Submit your record request in writing. Provide a specific description of the record you seek to expedite the process. You may be asked to certify that you will not use the records for commercial purposes.

Send requests to:

Attn: Legal Division 
Email: KDOL.KORARequest@ks.gov
Fax: (785) 296-0196
Mail: 401 SW Topeka Blvd.
Topeka, KS 66603

Most records will be produced within three business days from the time the request is received. If the request is delayed or denied, you will receive a written explanation for the delay or denial within three business days.

Open Records Fee Schedule

The Department of Labor may charge reasonable fees, not exceeding actual cost, for access to records, copies of records and staff time for processing your request. Pursuant to the authority of K.S.A. 45-219, the following schedule of fees for access or copies of public records from the Department of Labor is established.

Photostatic Copies of Records

 Fees shall not exceed the actual cost of furnishing copies, including the cost of staff time required to make the information available, and shall be charged at the following rate:

• Copies of documents (includes actual copying time): $0.36 per one-sided page.
• Record Search (excluding actual copying time): No charge for first quarter hour; each additional quarter hour - $3.75 per quarter hour.
• Record Review (legal): Labor staff attorney time will be billed at $35/hour and Chief Counsel’s and Deputy Chief Counsel’s time will each be billed at $50/hour.

Video/Audio Tapes

 Fees shall not exceed the actual cost of furnishing copies, including the cost of staff time required to make the information available, and shall be charged at the following rate:

• Blank cassette (video or audio): Actual cost to agency
• Record search (excluding actual duplicating time): No charge for first quarter hour; each additional quarter hour - $3.75 per quarter hour
• Duplication: $5.00 per quarter hour

Access to Computer Records

 Fees shall include only the cost of any computer services, including staff time required, and shall be charged at the following rate:

• Computer Services (including access charges and line charges): actual cost to agency.
• Record Search (clerical): no charge for the first quarter hour; each additional quarter hour - $3.75 per quarter hour.

Facsimile Charges and Limitations

 When copies of documents are requested to be transmitted via facsimile, in addition to the charges set forth above for copies of records, the following fees shall be charged for facsimile transmission of those copies:

• First Page (excluding cover sheet): $1.00
• Each Additional page: $0.50
• Transmission time (labor): $3.75 per quarter hour
• Transmission of copies by facsimile shall be limited to twenty (20) pages excluding cover page

Mailing/Shipping Charges

 Unless otherwise requested in writing, delivery of copies of documents shall be by United States mail, first class. There shall be no charge for the first $1.00 of postage. All postage in excess of $1.00 and/or charges for specialty mail or delivery shall be charged at the actual rate charged to the agency.

Payment of Fees

All charges are made in one quarter hour increments. If copies are requested, a written request shall be made, and payment shall be made in advance of production of said documents. Personnel responding to a request for copies or access shall fully document their computation for fees, and the same shall be made available to the Secretary should the reasonableness of the fees be challenged. Persons requesting records may appeal the reasonableness of the fees charged for providing access to or furnishing copies of such records to the Secretary of Administration whose decision shall be final.

Basic Rights and Responsibilities under KORA

• You have the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records maintained by KDOL which are not exempt from disclosure by a specific law.
• You must request records – written, photographic or computerized. The KORA does not require KDOL to answer questions or prepare reports.
• KDOL may require you to put your request in writing.
• You must provide proof of your identity, if requested.
• You do not have to say why you want these records or who you work for.
• KDOL may charge reasonable fees, not exceeding actual cost, for access to records, copies of records and staff time for processing your request.
• You have the right to receive a written response to your request not later than the end of the third business day following the date that the request is received.
  • The response may inform you that it will take additional time to produce the records. Reasons for additional time may include voluminous records, complicated request parameters, unresolved legal issues or difficulty in accessing archived records.
  • The response may deny your request, in whole or in part. If the request is denied the agency must identify generally the records to be denied and the specific legal authority for the denial.
• You have the right to obtain a copy of KDOL's policies and procedures for access to records.
• You have the right to request assistance from the agency's Information Officer.
• You have the right to bring a private lawsuit or to file a complaint with the Kansas Attorney General's Office if you feel you are wrongfully denied records.

Additional information can be found on the Attorney General's website.