3. Contents of a written request.

Nebraska law does not state formal requirements for requesting government records. Requests can be made orally or in writing, although any oral request that is denied should be promptly followed by a specific, detailed, written request so that attempted access is documented. Moreover, the four-day response period included in the 2000 amendments is triggered only by a written request. Each request should be as specific as possible by describing records with as much detail as possible, and should ask for prompt agency action on the request.

Neb. Rev. Stat. § 84-712.04 requires an agency denying a records request to provide, in writing, a description of the record withheld, the statutory authority under which the record is withheld, the name of the official responsible for denial of the request and notification of administrative or judicial remedies for denial. Each agency must maintain a file of such denial letters. Because such denial letter provides information helpful to further review of the denial, persons seeking access should follow up and obtain the denial letter if the record is not produced, and should cite § 84-712.04 in a written record request.