How to File a Public Records Request in Broussard, Louisiana

What Is the Louisiana Public Records Law?

The Louisiana Public Records Law, codified at La. R.S. Title 44, §§ 44:1 through 44:41, is one of the foundational open-government statutes in the United States. Rooted in Article XII, Section 3 of the Louisiana Constitution, it declares that no person shall be denied the right to examine public documents except in cases established by law. The law grants any person of the age of majority the right to inspect, copy, or reproduce public records held by any state or local government body — including the City of Broussard.

A public record is broadly defined under La. R.S. 44:1(A)(2)(a) to include all books, accounts, letters, maps, photographs, recordings, memoranda, emails, and electronically stored information — any documentary material prepared, possessed, or used in the conduct of government business. This covers city council meeting minutes, building permits, contracts, budgets, payroll records, code enforcement files, and city email correspondence.

Key exemptions include active law enforcement investigative records, personnel performance evaluations, attorney-client communications, juvenile records, medical records, and trade secrets. Importantly, all exemptions must be grounded in statute or the Louisiana Constitution — the custodian cannot invent new reasons to withhold records. The Louisiana Supreme Court has instructed that the law be construed liberally, with any doubt resolved in favor of disclosure. The burden of justifying withholding falls entirely on the agency, not the requester.

Read the full text of the Louisiana Public Records Law (Louisiana Revised Statutes Title 44, §§ 44:1 through 44:41 (Louisiana Public Records Law))

How to File a Public Records Request with the City of Broussard

How to Submit Your Request

The City of Broussard accepts public records requests through its online request form or by emailing the City Clerk directly. To use the online form, visit the City's public records page at cityofbroussard.com/i-want-to/request/public-records and complete the submission form. You may also submit your request in person at City Hall, located at 406 E. Madison St. during regular office hours (Monday through Thursday, 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM). Louisiana law does not require you to use a specific form, explain your purpose, or identify yourself beyond confirming you are of the age of majority (La. R.S. 44:32(A)). Written requests — whether submitted online, by email, or in person — are recommended because only a written or electronically submitted request can be formally appealed if denied.

What to Include in Your Request

• Your full name and contact information (mailing address, phone number, or email)
• A clear and specific description of the records you are requesting
• The approximate date range of the records, if known
• The preferred format for receiving the records (electronic PDF, paper copies, or in-person inspection)
• Any fee threshold above which you wish to be notified before production proceeds
• A statement that you are at least 18 years of age, as required by La. R.S. 44:32(A)

Response Deadlines and What to Expect

Under La. R.S. 44:32, the City of Broussard's records custodian must present any immediately available public record upon request. If a record is not immediately available or if the custodian needs to determine whether it is subject to disclosure, a written determination must be provided within three business days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays (La. R.S. 44:32(D)).

It is important to understand what that three-day window covers: it is the deadline by which the custodian must either provide the records, produce the records for inspection, or deliver a written response explaining the status of the request — including either a denial with the specific statutory exemption cited, or a reasonable estimate of the time needed to collect, segregate, redact, and review the records. The custodian is not required to fully fulfill the request within three days if the records require complex segregation or redaction, but they must communicate a timeline.

Louisiana does not distinguish between resident and non-resident requesters for public records purposes — all persons 18 or older are entitled to the same access under La. R.S. 44:32(A).

For copies, the City may charge reasonable fees, which must be posted publicly per La. R.S. 44:32(C)(1). The state uniform fee schedule sets a baseline of $0.25 per standard page. Inspection of records in person during office hours is free of charge. Advance payment may be required for large copy orders.

What to Do If Your Request Is Denied or Delayed

If the City of Broussard denies your public records request, or if five business days pass from the date of your written request without any written response from the custodian, Louisiana law gives you clear legal options under La. R.S. 44:35.

The most common reasons for denial include claims that a record is exempt under a specific statute (such as ongoing law enforcement investigations, personnel evaluations, or attorney-client communications), that the request is overly broad or would substantially disrupt government operations, or that no responsive record exists. When a denial is issued, the custodian must cite the specific statutory basis in writing — a generic refusal is not legally sufficient.

If you receive a denial or an inadequate response, start by reaching out directly to the City Clerk to seek clarification or narrow your request. Many disputes are resolved informally at this stage. If the denial stands, you may file a civil suit in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish under La. R.S. 44:35, which allows the court to order production of improperly withheld records, award actual damages, and impose civil penalties of up to $100 per day for each day the custodian unreasonably or arbitrarily failed to respond. Attorney fees may also be awarded to a prevailing requester.

Courts review denied requests de novo under La. R.S. 44:35(B), meaning the judge independently evaluates whether withholding was justified — the burden rests on the City, not on you. Cases proceed by preference in Louisiana courts, meaning they are placed on an expedited docket. You do not need to exhaust any administrative appeal before filing suit.

Steps to Appeal

1. Contact the City Clerk directly to discuss the denial, clarify the scope of your request, or narrow it to address any stated concerns.
2. Request a written denial if you have not already received one. Under La. R.S. 44:32(D), any denial must be in writing and cite the specific statutory exemption.
3. If no response is received within five business days (exclusive of weekends and holidays) of your written or electronic request, you may treat the non-response as a denial under La. R.S. 44:35(A).
4. Send a formal follow-up letter to the City Clerk citing La. R.S. 44:35 and stating your intent to seek judicial enforcement if the records are not provided or a proper determination is not made.
5. Consult the Louisiana Attorney General's Office, which issues advisory opinions on public records disputes and may provide informal guidance or referrals.
6. File a petition for writ of mandamus, injunctive relief, or declaratory judgment in the 15th Judicial District Court for Lafayette Parish under La. R.S. 44:35. The court reviews the matter de novo and the burden is on the City to justify withholding.
7. If you prevail in court, seek attorney fees, costs, and civil penalties of up to $100 per day per La. R.S. 44:35(D) and (E) for arbitrary or unreasonable failure to respond.

Types of Records You Can Request from Broussard, Louisiana

The City of Broussard generates and maintains a wide range of public records in the course of conducting municipal government. The following types of records are generally available under the Louisiana Public Records Law.

• City Council meeting minutes, agendas, and resolutions
• City ordinances and municipal code amendments
• Building permits, zoning applications, and variance requests
• Planning and zoning board meeting minutes and decisions
• City contracts, vendor agreements, and procurement records
• City budget documents, financial statements, and audit reports
• Occupational license applications and approvals
• Code enforcement complaints, inspection records, and violation notices
• City employee payroll records (salaries and job titles are public records)
• Police department reports and incident summaries (initial reports are public)
• City infrastructure and drainage project documents and engineering plans
• Mayor's office correspondence and communications on public business
• City utility billing policies and rate schedules
• Grant applications and awards received by the City
• FEMA flood map records and emergency management documents

If you're unsure whether a specific document is a public record, file the request anyway. The burden is on the City of Broussard to justify withholding — not on you to pre-determine what's available.

Tips for Effective Public Records Requests in Broussard