R3

The Alabama Public Records Law provides access to "public writings," without more definition, but recent statutes, case law, and attorney general opinions have recognized that the term includes electronic records. See, e.g., Ala. Code § 22-9A-21(f) (1997) ("The [nonrestricted public birth] records may be made available for viewing in photographic, digital, electronic, or other suitable format as provided for by rules of the [State Board of Health]."); Birmingham News Co. v. Peevy, 21 Media L. Rep. (BNA) 2125 (Cir. Ct.

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The definition of public records encompasses electronic records, though it does not refer to them specifically as such. It includes all items "regardless of format or physical characteristics" with the specific exception of "proprietary software programs." The law also provides for dissemination through a state-maintained Internet site of postings by state agencies called the Alaska Online Public Notice System.

Since 1994, the ORA has treated all public records similarly, regardless of their format. A requester is entitled to obtain a hard copy of a public record or an electronic file if available. As with all public records in Kentucky, a requester intending to use the information for commercial purposes faces a higher fee.

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Wisconsin's Open Records law includes electronic records within its scope.

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"Information contained in electronic data processing equipment" is specifically included in the definition of "public records." La. Rev. Stat. Ann. § 44:1(A)(2). Electronic information therefore is subject to the general provisions of the Public Records Act. See Ops. Att'y Gen.