Public Records (FOIA) Request Satisfaction Survey

Welcome and thank you for participating in this survey about your experience with public records (FOIA) requests. This survey takes about 12 minutes to complete. Your participation is entirely voluntary, and you may stop at any time. There are no right or wrong answers—we are interested in your honest opinions. All responses are anonymous, kept confidential, and will be reported only in aggregate to help improve public records processes.

Have you submitted a public records (FOIA) request in the last 12 months?

• Yes
• No
• Not sure

How clear was the information about how to submit a public records request?

Approximately how many calendar days passed between submitting your request and receiving the initial response?

• 1–5 days
• 6–10 days
• 11–20 days
• 21–30 days
• More than 30 days
• I have not yet received a response
• Don't remember

Which types of fees, if any, did you encounter? Select all that apply.

• Per-page copying
• Electronic processing
• Hourly labor
• Mailing or shipping
• Certification or notarization
• I did not incur any fees
• Other (please specify)

Overall, how easy or difficult was the public records request process in your jurisdiction?

What is your age group?

• 18–24
• 25–34
• 35–44
• 45–54
• 55–64
• 65+
• Prefer not to say

Thank you for completing this survey! Your input will help improve the clarity, timelines, and costs of public records request processes. Your responses are confidential and will be reported only in aggregate.

How did you submit your most recent public records request?

• Online portal
• Email
• In person
• Mail
• Fax
• Other (please specify)

How clear was the information about what records are available for request?

How clear was the communication about the expected timeline for your request?

Approximately how much did you pay in total fees for your most recent public records request?

• $0 (no fees)
• $1–$10
• $11–$25
• $26–$50
• $51–$100
• More than $100
• Don't remember

Overall, how satisfied are you with the public records request process in your jurisdiction?

Which best describes your gender?

• Man
• Woman
• Non-binary
• Self-describe (please specify)
• Prefer not to say

How clear was the information about the fee structure and estimated costs?

Which of the following would be most helpful for tracking the status of a public records request? Select up to 3.

• Email updates
• Online portal status page
• Phone support
• Text/SMS alerts
• Assigned contact person
• Other (please specify)

Overall, how reasonable were the fees you paid for your public records request?

How likely are you to file a public records request in the next 12 months?

What is the highest level of education you have completed?

• Less than high school
• High school or equivalent
• Some college or associate degree
• Bachelor's degree
• Graduate or professional degree
• Prefer not to say

How clear was the information about exemptions and reasons records might be denied or redacted?

Did the costs associated with your request lead you to change your plans?

• No, costs did not affect my request
• Yes, I narrowed the scope of my request
• Yes, I canceled my request entirely
• Not applicable—I did not incur fees

If you could change one thing to improve the public records request process (clarity, timelines, or costs), what would it be?

What is your current employment status?

• Employed full-time
• Employed part-time
• Self-employed
• Unemployed, seeking work
• Not working by choice (student, caregiver, etc.)
• Retired
• Prefer not to say

How satisfied were you with any explanations provided for denials or redactions in your request?

Based on your responses in this survey, is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with public records (FOIA) requests?

Which U.S. state or territory do you live in?

• Alabama
• Alaska
• Arizona
• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maine
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New Mexico
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Vermont
• Virginia
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming
• American Samoa
• Guam
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Puerto Rico
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• Other U.S. territory
• Prefer not to say

We'd like to learn more about your experience with public records requests. An AI moderator will ask a couple of brief follow-up questions based on your earlier responses.