Intent:
The State statute on public records, known as the Freedom of Information Act, was enacted for the express purpose of providing full and complete information to all persons about the workings of government and the acts of those who represent them as public officials and employees, so that the people may be informed and retain control. Its provisions must be liberally construed to carry out that purpose.
Scope:
The Act applies to all state, county and municipal officers, governing bodies, agencies, departments, boards and commissions, and any other bodies created or primarily funded by state or local authority, unless their enabling statute specifically exempts them from its provisions. The records covered by the Act include virtually all documents and information retained by a public body, regardless of their form. Public records are available to every person for inspection or copying when there has been a request made to the custodian, and when they are not specifically exempted from disclosure. There is no statutory requirement that the request be in writing; however whenever possible, a written request is advisable in order to avoid misunderstandings regarding the timing and scope of the request, and to ensure that the information sought is stated "with reasonable specificity," as required by W. Va. Code § 29B-1-3(4). The custodian must respond within five (5) working days by either granting the request or giving written reasons for its denial. Citizens may be charged a reasonable fee for the cost of copying.
To read the Freedom of Information Act in its entirety, please visit the Attorney General Office’s website.
Filing a Freedom of Information Act Request with the Bureau of Senior Services:
No particular form is required to submit a FOIA request to the Bureau. To make sure we understand exactly what you want, we need your request to be in writing. A request may be made via letter or email. A sample form can be downloaded for your use.
The request should be mailed, emailed or faxed to:
Jacqueline A. Proctor, Deputy Commissioner
WV Bureau of Senior Services
1900 Kanawha Boulevard, East
Charleston, West Virginia 25305
Fax: 304-558-5609
Updated 4/1/23