§ 132-1. "Public records" defined. - North Carolina Statutes

Chapter132.

Public Records.

§ 132‑1.  "Publicrecords" defined.

(a)        "Publicrecord" or "public records" shall mean all documents, papers,letters, maps, books, photographs, films, sound recordings, magnetic or othertapes, electronic data‑processing records, artifacts, or otherdocumentary material, regardless of physical form or characteristics, made orreceived pursuant to law or ordinance in connection with the transaction ofpublic business by any agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions.Agency of North Carolina government or its subdivisions shall mean and includeevery public office, public officer or official (State or local, elected orappointed), institution, board, commission, bureau, council, department,authority or other unit of government of the State or of any county, unit,special district or other political subdivision of government.

(b)        The public recordsand public information compiled by the agencies of North Carolina government orits subdivisions are the property of the people. Therefore, it is the policy ofthis State that the people may obtain copies of their public records and publicinformation free or at minimal cost unless otherwise specifically provided bylaw. As used herein, "minimal cost" shall mean the actual cost ofreproducing the public record or public information. (1935,c. 265, s. 1; 1975, c. 787, s. 1; 1995, c. 388, s. 1.)