What do I need to know about the open records and meetings laws?
The terms "record" and "meeting" are defined broadly. To deny public access to a record or meeting, you first have to identify the law that closes the record or meeting. Then you need to explain that law to the person requesting access.

To deny access to records, you must explain to the requester within a reasonable time the legal authority for denying the request.
To deny access to a meeting, you have to explain the topics to be considered and the legal authority for closing a meeting before you can ask the public to leave the meeting room.

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1. What do I need to know about the open records and meetings laws?
2. Is there a certain process that cities need to follow in order to comply with ND open record laws when considering job applications for a vacant position?
3. Are the records related to job applications open to the public under ND Open Records Law?
4. What can happen if we violate the law?
5. You mean I can be charged with a crime for violating the open records and meetings laws?
6. What is a "meeting?"
7. Are committees required to be open?
8. How can we properly hold a closed meeting?
9. When is notice required?
10. What are we supposed to do with a meeting notice?
11. Can we add items to the agenda of a meeting?
12. Is everything in a government office a "record"?
13. What are we supposed to do when we receive a request for records?
14. How can we properly deny a request for records?
15. Can we require requesters to identify themselves and explain why they want the requested records, or at least make them put the request in writing?
16. Are we required to give unsupervised access to open records?
17. Do we have to make copies of records and mail the records to the requester?
18. What can we charge if a person requests records?
19. Do we have to separate non-public information from public information?
20. Who may call a special meeting of the city governing board?
21. How long does a city need to advertise a special meeting before it happens?