Deadline Calculator
Calculate when an agency is legally required to respond to your public records request.
Estimated Deadline:
Note: This is an automated estimate. Deadlines may be affected by state holidays, agency-specific rules, or legal extensions.
CaseFile Access provides this tool for informational purposes only.
Understanding Response Time Terms
- Acknowledgement
- An initial response confirming receipt of your request, often with a tracking number and estimated completion date. Some states require agencies to acknowledge before providing a final response.
- Determination / Final Response
- The agency's substantive response granting, denying, or partially fulfilling your records request. This is the deadline for the agency to make a decision on your request.
- Business Days
- Days when government offices are typically open (Monday through Friday, excluding weekends). Note: This calculator excludes weekends only; state holidays are not factored in unless the statute explicitly requires holiday exclusion.
- Calendar Days
- All consecutive days including weekends and holidays. A 10 calendar-day deadline counts every day from the start date.
- Prompt / Reasonable Time
- Some states do not specify a numeric deadline. Instead, their laws require agencies to respond "promptly" or within a "reasonable time." This is determined by circumstances and case law, not a fixed number of days.