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Division of Archives and Records Service

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GRAMA Request and Appeal Time Limits

Rosemary Cundiff

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August 21, 2012

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The Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) provides time limits for both responding to requests and appealing denials. These time limits, found in Utah Code sections 63G-2-204 and 401-404, are important because they protect rights and define responsibilities. A requestor is entitled to a response within a reasonable timeframe. If the requestor is not satisfied with the response he or she must appeal within a reasonable time. One reason GRAMA requests must be in writing is to document when the clock starts ticking.

Government to respond to a GRAMA request	As soon as reasonably possible but no more than 10 business days	63G-2-204(3)
Government to affirm or deny request for expedited response	No more than 5 business days	63G-2-204(3)
Government to respond to expedited GRAMA request	No more than 5 business days	63G-2-204(3)
Government to respond if extraordinary circumstances	As soon as reasonably possible and according to additional details outlined in the law; notify when records will be available	63G-2-204(6)
Requester to appeal denial to chief administrative officer	Within 30 days after receiving notice of denial or if the governmental entity fails to respond	63G-2-401(1)63G-2-204(8)
Chief administrative officer to respond to appeal	No more than 5 business days or 12 business days if business confidentiality is involved; by agreement parties may extend the time period	63G-2-401(5)
Requester to appeal the denial of the chief administrative officer to the State Records Committee.	Within 30 days after receiving response or 45 days after appeal if chief administrative officer did not respond (Requestor may choose to appeal in District Court instead.)	63G-2-403(1)
Requester to notify government of intent to appeal	On same day as request for State Records Committee hearing	63G-2-403(3)
State Records Committee executive secretary to schedule hearing	Within 5 days after receiving request	63G-2-403(5)
Date of hearing	Not less than 14 days or more than 52 days after request for hearing	3G-2-403(5)
Government to provide statement of facts supporting government position	Not later than 5 business days before hearing	63G-2-403(5)
State records committee to issue a decision and order	Within 7 business days after the hearing	63G-2-403(11)
Government to comply with order to produce records or either party may appeal State Records Committee decision in District Court	Within 30 days after the date of the State Records Committee’s order	63G-2-404(1)