Opinion ID: 2632238
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Alaska's Public Records Act

Text: The act provides that [u]nless specifically provided otherwise, the public records of all public agencies are open to inspection by the public under reasonable rules during regular office hours, [9] and that [e]very person has a right to inspect a public record in the state. [10] We have noted that [t]here is a strong public interest in disclosure of the affairs of government, and [sections].110 and .120 articulate a broad policy of open records. [11] The right of citizen access to public records has been characterized as a fundamental right. [12] The Public Records Act contains exceptions to the public disclosure mandate, including one for records required to be kept confidential by ... state law. [13] To further the legislative policy of broad public access, we narrowly construe any exceptions. [14]