45-219. Abstracts or copies of records; fees.
(a) Any person may make abstracts or obtain copies of any public record to which such person has access under this act. If copies are requested, the public agency may require a written request and advance payment of the prescribed fee. A public agency shall not be required to provide copies of radio or recording tapes or discs, video tapes or films, pictures, slides, graphics, illustrations or similar audio or visual items or devices, unless such items or devices were shown or played to a public meeting of the governing body thereof, but the public agency shall not be required to provide such items or devices which are copyrighted by a person other than the public agency.
(b) Copies of public records shall be made while the records are in the possession, custody and control of the custodian or a person designated by the custodian and shall be made under the supervision of such custodian or person. When practical, copies shall be made in the place where the records are kept. If it is impractical to do so, the custodian shall allow arrangements to be made for use of other facilities. If it is necessary to use other facilities for copying, the cost thereof shall be paid by the person desiring a copy of the records. In addition, the public agency may charge the same fee for the services rendered in supervising the copying as for furnishing copies under subsection (c) and may establish a reasonable schedule of times for making copies at other facilities.
(c) Except as provided by subsection (f) or where fees for inspection or for copies of a public record are prescribed by statute, each public agency may prescribe reasonable fees for providing access to or furnishing copies of public records, subject to the following:
(1) In the case of fees for copies of records, the fees shall not exceed the actual cost of furnishing copies, including the cost of staff time required to make the information available.
(2) In the case of fees for providing access to records maintained on computer facilities, the fees shall include only the cost of any computer services, including staff time required.
(3) Fees for access to or copies of public records of public agencies within the legislative branch of the state government shall be established in accordance with K.S.A. 46-1207a, and amendments thereto.
(4) Fees for access to or copies of public records of public agencies within the judicial branch of the state government shall be established in accordance with rules of the supreme court.
(5) Fees for access to or copies of public records of a public agency within the executive branch of the state government shall be established by the agency head. Any person 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. A fee for copies of public records which is equal to or less than $.25 per page shall be deemed a reasonable fee.
(d) Except as otherwise authorized pursuant to K.S.A. 75-4215, and amendments thereto, each public agency within the executive branch of the state government shall remit all moneys received by or for it from fees charged pursuant to this section to the state treasurer in accordance with K.S.A. 75-4215, and amendments thereto. Unless otherwise specifically provided by law, the state treasurer shall deposit the entire amount thereof in the state treasury and credit the same to the state general fund or an appropriate fee fund as determined by the agency head.
(e) Each public agency of a political or taxing subdivision shall remit all moneys received by or for it from fees charged pursuant to this act to the treasurer of such political or taxing subdivision at least monthly. Upon receipt of any such moneys, such treasurer shall deposit the entire amount thereof in the treasury of the political or taxing subdivision and credit the same to the general fund thereof, unless otherwise specifically provided by law.
(f) Any person who is a certified shorthand reporter may charge fees for transcripts of such person's notes of judicial or administrative proceedings in accordance with rates established pursuant to rules of the Kansas supreme court.
(g) Nothing in the open records act shall require a public agency to electronically make copies of public records by allowing a person to obtain copies of a public record by inserting, connecting or otherwise attaching an electronic device provided by such person to the computer or other electronic device of the public agency.
History: L. 1984, ch. 187, § 5; L. 1984, ch. 282; § 2; L. 1994, ch. 100, § 1; L. 1995, ch. 135, § 1; L. 2010, ch. 112, § 1; July 1.