Phyllis Cloyd suggested that county clerks might become subject to
Freedom of Information Act because they receive federeal funds. Not
true.
FOIA applies only to federal agencies. Even if a state or local agency
is receiving federal funds, it does not become subject to the federal
act, because that's what the federal statute says.
However, almost all states have a similar sunshine law that guarantees
access to local records.
But very rarely do these statutes say you can walk in without notice and
immediately sit down with the records--most of the statutes say you are
entitled to view and/or copy the records within, say, three days
(depending on the state) of making written request for them.
BTW, county clerks are unlikely to be receiving federal support anyway.
--
Jim White
*** Nothing I say is a legal opinion unless that's what you're paying me
for. ***
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