WVFOIA Request Database
Under W. Va. Code §29B-1-3a, every public body in West Virginia must log incoming FOIA requests and report that information to the WV Secretary of State. These filings are publicly available and create a statewide record of what types of information are being sought by requesters across the state and how agencies handle public records requests.
Reports to Secretary of State by public bodies (§29B-1-3a)
Section titled “Reports to Secretary of State by public bodies (§29B-1-3a)”(a) Beginning January 1, 2016, each public body that is in receipt of a freedom of information request shall provide information to the Secretary of State relating to, at a minimum, the nature of the request, the nature of the public body’s response, the time-frame that was necessary to comply in full with the request; and the amount of reimbursement charged to the requester for the freedom of information request: Provided, That the public body shall not provide to the Secretary of State the public records that were the subject of the FOIA request.
(b) Pursuant to article three, chapter twenty-nine-a of this code, the Secretary of State shall propose rules and emergency rules for legislative approval relating to the creation and maintenance of a publically accessible database available on the Secretary of State’s website; the establishment of forms and procedures for submission of information to the Secretary of State by the public body; and for other procedures and policies consistent with this section.
WVFOIA Database (WV Secretary of State)
Section titled “WVFOIA Database (WV Secretary of State)”The WV Secretary of State provides a database for agencies to submit their FOIA request data as required by statute, including a public interface for users to search the data.
Community-maintained Mirror
Section titled “Community-maintained Mirror”A community-maintained version of this data is available in a searchable, filterable interface. This tool makes it easier to find specific agencies, requestors, or trends in FOIA usage across West Virginia. It is not affiliated with or maintained by any state agency.