As used in KRS 61.870 to 61.884, unless the context requires otherwise:
(1) "Public agency" means:
(a) Every state or local government officer;
(b) Every state or local government department, division, bureau, board,
commission, and authority;
(c) Every state or local legislative board, commission, committee, and officer;
(d) Every county and city governing body, council, school district board, special
district board, and municipal corporation;
(e) Every state or local court or judicial agency;
(f) Every state or local government agency, including the policy-making board of
an institution of education, created by or pursuant to state or local statute,
executive order, ordinance, resolution, or other legislative act;
(g) Any body created by state or local authority in any branch of government;
(h) Any body which, within any fiscal year, derives at least twenty-five percent
(25%) of its funds expended by it in the Commonwealth of Kentucky from
state or local authority funds. However, any funds derived from a state or
local authority in compensation for goods or services that are provided by a
contract obtained through a public competitive procurement process shall not
be included in the determination of whether a body is a public agency under
this subsection;
(i) Any entity where the majority of its governing body is appointed by a public
agency as defined in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (j), or (k) of
this subsection; by a member or employee of such a public agency; or by any
combination thereof;
(j) Any board, commission, committee, subcommittee, ad hoc committee,
advisory committee, council, or agency, except for a committee of a hospital
medical staff, established, created, and controlled by a public agency as
defined in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), or (k) of this
subsection; and
(k) Any interagency body of two (2) or more public agencies where each public
agency is defined in paragraph (a), (b), (c), (d), (e), (f), (g), (h), (i), or (j) of
this subsection;
(2) "Public record" means all books, papers, maps, photographs, cards, tapes, discs,
diskettes, recordings, software, or other documentation regardless of physical form
or characteristics, which are prepared, owned, used, in the possession of or retained
by a public agency. "Public record" shall not include any records owned or
maintained by or for a body referred to in subsection (1)(h) of this section that are
not related to functions, activities, programs, or operations funded by state or local
authority;
(3) (a) "Software" means the program code which makes a computer system
function, but does not include that portion of the program code which contains
public records exempted from inspection as provided by KRS 61.878 or
specific addresses of files, passwords, access codes, user identifications, or
any other mechanism for controlling the security or restricting access to
public records in the public agency's computer system.
(b) "Software" consists of the operating system, application programs,
procedures, routines, and subroutines such as translators and utility programs,
but does not include that material which is prohibited from disclosure or
copying by a license agreement between a public agency and an outside entity
which supplied the material to the agency;
(4) (a) "Commercial purpose" means the direct or indirect use of any part of a public
record or records, in any form, for sale, resale, solicitation, rent, or lease of a
service, or any use by which the user expects a profit either through
commission, salary, or fee.
(b) "Commercial purpose" shall not include:
1. Publication or related use of a public record by a newspaper or
periodical;
2. Use of a public record by a radio or television station in its news or
other informational programs; or
3. Use of a public record in the preparation for prosecution or defense of
litigation, or claims settlement by the parties to such action, or the
attorneys representing the parties;
(5) "Official custodian" means the chief administrative officer or any other officer or
employee of a public agency who is responsible for the maintenance, care and
keeping of public records, regardless of whether such records are in his actual
personal custody and control;
(6) "Custodian" means the official custodian or any authorized person having personal
custody and control of public records;
(7) "Media" means the physical material in or on which records may be stored or
represented, and which may include, but is not limited to paper, microform, disks,
diskettes, optical disks, magnetic tapes, and cards;
(8) "Mechanical processing" means any operation or other procedure which is
transacted on a machine, and which may include, but is not limited to a copier,
computer, recorder or tape processor, or other automated device;
(9) "Booking photograph and photographic record of inmate" means a photograph or
image of an individual generated by law enforcement for identification purposes
when the individual is booked into a detention facility as defined in KRS 520.010
or photograph and image of an inmate taken pursuant to KRS 196.099; and
(10) "Resident of the Commonwealth" means:
(a) An individual residing in the Commonwealth;
(b) A domestic business entity with a location in the Commonwealth;
(c) A foreign business entity registered with the Secretary of State;
(d) An individual that is employed and works at a location or locations within the
Commonwealth;
(e) An individual or business entity that owns real property within the
Commonwealth;
(f) Any individual or business entity that has been authorized to act on behalf of
an individual or business entity defined in paragraphs (a) to (e) of this
subsection; or
(g) A news-gathering organization as defined in KRS 189.635(9)(b)1.a. to e..
Effective: July 15, 2024
History: Amended 2024 Ky. Acts ch. 23, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2024. -- Amended
2021 Ky. Acts ch. 160, sec. 1, effective June 29, 2021. -- Amended 2016 Ky. Acts
ch. 101, sec. 2, effective July 15, 2016. -- Amended 2012 Ky. Acts ch. 26, sec. 1,
effective July 12, 2012. -- Amended 1994 Ky. Acts ch. 262, sec. 2, effective July 15,
1994. – Amended 1992 Ky. Acts ch. 163, sec. 2, effective July 14, 1992. -- Amended
1986 Ky. Acts ch. 150, sec. 2, effective July 15, 1986. -- Created 1976 Ky. Acts ch.
273, sec. 1.
Notes of Decisions
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
· cites it 71× “The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
Beckham v. Bd. of Educ. of Jefferson Cty., 873 S.W.2d 575 (Ky. 1994).
· cites it 6× “We must determine whether a party affected by the decision of a public agency to release records pursuant to the Kentucky Open Records Act, KRS 61.870, et seq., has standing to contest the agency decision in court; or whether the only parties who may be heard are the agency and…”
Bowling v. Lexington-Fayette Urban Cnty. Gov't, 172 S.W.3d 333 (Ky. 2005).
· cites it 8× “Bowling, pursuant to the Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 to KRS 61.884. Appellant’s complaint alleged that the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government (LFUCG) wrongfully withheld records after he made a series of open records requests.”
Lawson v. Off. of the Attorney Gen., 415 S.W.3d 59 (Ky. 2013).
· cites it 6× “1994), we held that the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884, the “ORA” or the “Act”) provides a cause of action whereby an affected individual may seek to preclude the disclosure of public records pertaining to him or her.”
Hardin Cnty. Schs. v. Foster, 40 S.W.3d 865 (Ky. 2001).
· cites it 5× “Foster requested review by the Attorney General pursuant to KRS 61.870 et seq. The Attorney General concluded that the school should provide the records without redacting the school and offense categories which appeared on those records.”
City of Fort Thomas v. Cincinnati Enquirer, 406 S.W.3d 842 (Ky. 2013).
· cites it 4× “882(5), *854 which, to discourage agencies from willfully withholding records in violation of the Act, creates a sanction for doing so: Any person who prevails against any agency in any action in the courts regarding a violation of KRS 61.870 to 61.884 may, upon a finding that…”
Zink v. Commonwealth, Dep't of Workers' Claims, Labor Cabinet, 902 S.W.2d 825 (Ky. Ct. App. 1994).
· cites it 4× “Zink (appellant), by letter dated June 19, 1992, made a request that the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims (Department) provide him access under the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 et seq.) to certain records under the Department’s control.”
Hill v. Kentucky Lottery Corp., 327 S.W.3d 412 (Ky. 2010).
· cites it 2× “020(1) renders KLC subject to the Open Records Act, KRS 61.870 et. seq. We have been directed to no prior decisions respecting the degree of privilege to be accorded defamatory matters disclosed pursuant to an open record request.”
Se. United Medigroup, Inc. v. Hughes, 952 S.W.2d 195 (Ky. 1997).
· cites it 4× “To the extent required by due process, the hearing officer may order the inspection of any records excluded from the application of KRS 61.870 and KRS 61.884 under KRS 61.878 that relate to an act, transaction, or event that is a subject of a hearing, and may order their…”
Cent. Kentucky News-Journal v. George, 306 S.W.3d 41 (Ky. 2010).
· cites it 6× “Generally, under Kentucky's Open Records Act, "[a]ll public records shall be open for inspection by any person, except as otherwise provided by KRS 61.870 to 61.884." KRS 61.872(1). Though there are, indeed, several statutory exceptions delineated by the General Assembly, the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1) — 14 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(a) — 4 cases
City of Fort Thomas v. Cincinnati Enquirer, 406 S.W.3d 842 (Ky. 2013).
“882(5), *854 which, to discourage agencies from willfully withholding records in violation of the Act, creates a sanction for doing so: Any person who prevails against any agency in any action in the courts regarding a violation of KRS 61.870 to 61.884 may, upon a finding that…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(b) — 2 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(d) — 2 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(h) — 4 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(i) — 2 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(1)(j) — 3 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(2) — 19 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
Lawson v. Off. of the Attorney Gen., 415 S.W.3d 59 (Ky. 2013).
“1994), we held that the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884, the “ORA” or the “Act”) provides a cause of action whereby an affected individual may seek to preclude the disclosure of public records pertaining to him or her.”
City of Fort Thomas v. Cincinnati Enquirer, 406 S.W.3d 842 (Ky. 2013).
“882(5), *854 which, to discourage agencies from willfully withholding records in violation of the Act, creates a sanction for doing so: Any person who prevails against any agency in any action in the courts regarding a violation of KRS 61.870 to 61.884 may, upon a finding that…”
Cent. Kentucky News-Journal v. George, 306 S.W.3d 41 (Ky. 2010).
“Generally, under Kentucky's Open Records Act, "[a]ll public records shall be open for inspection by any person, except as otherwise provided by KRS 61.870 to 61.884." KRS 61.872(1). Though there are, indeed, several statutory exceptions delineated by the General Assembly, the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(4) — 2 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(4)(a) — 3 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(4)(b) — 2 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(4)(b)(1) — 1 case
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(6) — 2 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(Z)(a) — 1 case
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(h) — 2 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(a) — 3 cases
Lawson v. Off. of the Attorney Gen., 415 S.W.3d 59 (Ky. 2013).
“1994), we held that the Kentucky Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884, the “ORA” or the “Act”) provides a cause of action whereby an affected individual may seek to preclude the disclosure of public records pertaining to him or her.”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(d) — 1 case
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(f) — 1 case
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(g) — 1 case
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(h) — 5 cases
Util. Mgmt. Grp., LLC v. Pike Cnty. Fiscal Court, 531 S.W.3d 3 (Ky. 2017).
“The Auditor had limited success in obtaining business records from UMG regarding the actual costs of the services UMG provided, so in March 2011 the Pike County Fiscal Court made an Open Records request pursuant to KRS 61.870 and 61.872. When UMG declined to produce the…”
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(i) — 3 cases
— Ky. Rev. Stat. § 61.870(l)(j) — 1 case
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