Montana Freedom Of Information Act
Montana FOIA Laws – National Freedom of Information Coalition
Montana Open Meetings Law The Montana Open Meetings Law legislates the method by which public meetings are conducted. The law defines meeting as any gathering of a quorum of the members of a public body, including the use of electronic equipment, so as to deliberate and decide on public policy.
https://www.nfoic.org/montana-foia-laws/
What is OPIR?
What is OPIR? The Office of Public Information Requests (OPIR) was established to create a more straightforward and consistent process for the Montanans to request state records. In the State’s response to public record requests, the agencies provide consistency in the production, cost, and process of providing public records.
https://opir.mt.gov/about
Montana Freedom of Information Hotline Inc. - Montana FOI
Montana Freedom of Information Hotline Inc. Your Source for Public Access Information The Montana Freedom of Information Hotline is dedicated to keeping the operations of government in Montana open to public observation and participation. It seeks to accomplish that by providing free legal advice and assistance to journalists and members of the public confronted with improperly closed government doors or sealed documents.
http://montanafoi.org/
2-6-1006. Public information requests -- fees, MCA
2-6-1006. Public information requests -- fees. (1) (a) A person may request public information from a public agency. A public agency shall make the means of requesting public information accessible to all persons. (b) (i) All public agencies are governed by this subsection (1).
https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0020/chapter_0060/part_0100/section_0060/0020-0060-0100-0060.html
Public Information Request
UPDATE: Before filing a records request, please review the supported agencies and departments by clicking on OPIR Agencies in the upper right-hand corner. If the agency or department you seek information from is not listed, please get in touch with that agency or review that agency's website for information on how to file a records request from that agency/department.
https://opir.mt.gov/records-request
Privacy Versus the Right to Know - Official Montana Secretary of State Website - Christi Jacobsen
The Montana Constitution guarantees citizens both a right to know and a right to privacy. When it comes to public records, these guarantees sometimes seem to conflict. Article 2, Section 9 of the state constitution states: “No person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents.
https://sosmt.gov/records/privacy/
Open Government Guide Montana - Reporters Committee
Open Government Guide CompareAuthor Peter Michael Meloy, Esq. MELOY LAW FIRM P.O. Box 1241 Helena, Montana 59624-1241 Foreword Montana's populist roots promoted early adoption of statutory "open records" mandates. Montana's first open records law was passed six years after statehood in 1895 and guaranteed: Every citizen has a right to inspect and to take a copy of any public writings of this state … (and) (e)very public officer having the...
https://www.rcfp.org/open-government-guide/montana/
FOIA.gov - Freedom of Information Act
The basic function of the Freedom of Information Act is to ensure informed citizens, vital to the functioning of a democratic society. This site can help you determine if filing a FOIA request is the best option for you and help you create your request when you’re ready.
https://www.foia.gov/
Montana Freedom of Information Hotline, Inc. – National Freedom of Information Coalition
The Montana Freedom of Information Hotline is dedicated to keeping the operations of government in Montana open to public observation and participation. It seeks to accomplish that by providing free legal advice and assistance to journalists and members of the public confronted with improperly closed government doors or sealed documents.
https://www.nfoic.org/organizations/montana-freedom-information-hotline-inc/
Montana Public Records Guide • MuckRock
Last Updated: 04/02/2025 Overview Montana’s FOIA was originally established way back in 1895, but received a rewrite in 1972 when the state created a new constitution. All branches of government are open for requests in Montana, and any person in any state can request records from Montana agencies.
https://www.muckrock.com/place/united-states-of-america/montana/
Montana Freedom of Information – Freedom of Information Acts
The Montana public records law under Montana Code 2-6-1001 et seq. states that citizens are entitled to public records in the state. However, the Montana Constitution states that no person may be denied such records. The Constitution trumps statute, so anyone may request public documents in Montana, based on the following, “no person shall be deprived of the right to examine documents or to observe the deliberations of all public...
https://freedomofinformationacts.uslegal.com/state-freedom-of-information-acts/montana/
Public Records - Montana FOI
Public Records - What is defined as a public record? - What is the most effective way to request copies of public records? - Can a state agency charge for copies of public documents? - Can a state agency charge for access to documents?
http://montanafoi.org/public-records.php
Part 10. General Provisions - Table of Contents, Title 2, Chapter 6, MCA
Part 10. General Provisions - Table of Contents, Title 2, Chapter 6, MCA - MCA Contents - TITLE 2 - CHAPTER 6 - Part 10 Montana Code Annotated 2023...
https://archive.legmt.gov/bills/mca/title_0020/chapter_0060/part_0100/sections_index.html
Public Records Requests | Montana University System
Public Records Requests Public Records Requests Response Guidelines and Fee Schedule I. Purpose To provide guidance and a consistent response to public records requests, the Montana University System has adopted these guidelines. Nothing herein will override a right to privacy or matters of individual or public safety provided by the Montana Constitution, statutes, and rules addressing confidentiality, or other rulings addressing privacy and s...
https://mus.edu/che/PublicRecordsGuidelines.html