Request Public Records

What is the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA)?

The Kansas Open Records Act (K.S.A. 45-215 et seq.) provides the public with access to most records maintained by public agencies in Kansas, including the Kansas City Board of Public Utilities (BPU), unless those records are specifically exempt from disclosure by law.

Who may request public records?

Any person may request public records maintained by BPU, subject to the provisions and exemptions contained within the Kansas Open Records Act.

Do I have to use BPU’s request form?

No. Kansas law does not require you to use BPU’s Open Records Request Form. However, using BPU’s form helps ensure that your request contains the information needed to identify responsive records and process it as efficiently as possible.

How do I request public records from BPU?

Submit an Online Request (Preferred): Complete and submit the online request form available on BPU’s KORA webpage.

Mail a Printable Request Form: Download, print, complete, and mail the form to: Kansas City Board of Public Utilities, Attn: Open Records, 540 Minnesota Avenue, Kansas City, KS 66101.

What information should I include?

Describe the records as specifically as possible. Helpful information includes the date or date range, department, project name, address or location, vendor or contractor, report number, employee name (if known), and any other identifying information.

May I request records that will be created in the future?

No. Only records that exist at the time your request is received are subject to disclosure under KORA.

Does KORA require BPU to answer questions or create reports?

No. KORA applies only to existing public records. BPU is not required to answer questions, conduct research, create reports, prepare summaries or analyses, or create records that do not already exist.

When will BPU respond to my request?

BPU will respond within three business days after receiving your request, as required by the Kansas Open Records Act. Our response may provide the records, request clarification, provide a cost estimate, explain that additional time is needed, or deny the request in whole or in part, citing the applicable legal authority.

Will I receive the records within three business days?

Not necessarily. Kansas law requires BPU to respond within 3 business days, but additional time may be needed depending on the request’s size and complexity. If additional time is required, BPU will notify you and provide an estimated timeframe.

Can BPU charge fees for records requests?

Yes. Pursuant to K.S.A. 45-219, BPU may charge reasonable fees that reflect the actual costs associated with fulfilling a public records request.

What costs may be charged?

Charges may include staff time required to search for, retrieve, review, redact, prepare, and provide records; electronic records processing; printed copies; postage or delivery; and other actual costs associated with producing records. Printed copy charges are: 10 or fewer pages – no additional charge; 11 or more black-and-white pages – $0.21 per page; 11 or more color pages – $0.27 per page. Staff time applies to both paper and electronic records.

Will I receive a cost estimate?

If fulfilling your request is expected to require staff time or resources, BPU may provide a cost estimate before work begins. Requests estimated to exceed $25.00 may require written approval and prepayment. Any overpayment will be refunded if the actual costs are lower than the estimate.

Can BPU deny access to certain records?

Yes. Certain records are exempt from disclosure under Kansas law, including records protected by attorney-client privilege, certain personnel records, customer information protected by law, security-related information, and other records exempt under K.S.A. 45-221. If records are withheld, BPU will identify the applicable legal authority.

Why was I asked to complete a certification form?

If your request includes records containing names and addresses subject to K.S.A. 45-230, BPU may require you to complete a certification stating the information will not be used for prohibited commercial purposes before the records are released. This certification may be required even if you submitted your request online.

What if I believe a fee or denial is improper?

Questions regarding a records request should first be directed to BPU’s Open Records Custodian. Email: openrecords@bpu.com | Phone: (913) 573-9000. Additional remedies may be available through the Kansas Attorney General or the courts as provided by law.