Has anyone here ever made a public records request?

[diva77]

Is it harmless or do you get put on a government "watch list" for making a request?

[UpInArms]

1. I edited and owned a newspaper

And did many FOI requests ... generally, if I could either prove that it was in the public interest, it was free or the agency sent me a bill for copies and time spent ... nothing ever happened that caused me any concern

Editing to add a link for the form or format

https://www.foia.gov/how-to.html

[diva77]

2. Good to know. That helps, thanks!

[UpInArms]

3. If you want court transcripts

You can open a Pacer account ...

https://www.pacer.gov

[diva77]

4. wow, great resource; I wonder if there are equally accessible sites to

find transcripts of government public meetings at local, county, and state levels (I'll have to do some googling).

[UpInArms]

5. The meeting transcripts are available through each entity

Unless a local/regional newspaper has records

That applies to school boards ... county commissions ... and all 501c3s

Let me know if I can direct your in any way

[diva77]

6. Thanks

much appreciated!

[UpInArms]

7. I will say that

What you get in their minutes is not always an accurate account of what happens at the meetings ...

Many times, I watched and recorded what they said and did ... and much of what I heard was not put in the minutes ... those groups definitely like to keep people from knowing who and what they are ...

If it is a current issue, I recommend attending the meetings