Opinion ID: 2623451
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: Determining Whether CORA Applies

Text: A trial court cannot allow a suit to proceed under CORA without first determining that the Act applies. We have not previously discussed the necessary prerequisites for the provisions of CORA to apply. Under the federal equivalent to CORA, the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. § 552(a)(4)(B) (2000), application of FOIA is dependent on a showing that an agency: (1) improperly; (2) withheld; (3) agency records. [1] Kissinger v. Reporters Comm. for Freedom of the Press, 445 U.S. 136, 150, 100 S.Ct. 960, 63 L.Ed.2d 267 (1980). Although Colorado's statute is not identical to its federal counterpart, it also allows for a complainant to apply to the district court for relief when access to a record is denied. [2] § 24-72-204(5), 7B C.R.S. (2003). Therefore, though our statutory language differs, the intent is the same: an agency cannot improperly withhold agency records, and if it does so, the courts are empowered to remedy the situation. As we find that the federal test for the application of FOIA is consistent with CORA's goals, we adopt it now. Thus, in order to show that CORA applies, a plaintiff must show that the public entity in question: (1) improperly; (2) withheld; (3) a public record. All three of these prongs must be shown or the Act will not apply.