The Colorado Open Records Act (CORA), explained

CORA (C.R.S. 24-72-200.1 to 24-72-206) gives any person the right to inspect and copy public records held by Colorado state and local government, subject to exceptions. Criminal justice records are excluded from CORA and handled under the CCJRA.

Who can request

Any person. You don't have to say why you want the records.

Deadlines

The custodian must make records available within 3 working days, which can be extended by up to 7 additional working days if extenuating circumstances exist and the custodian notifies you in writing (C.R.S. 24-72-203(3)(b)).

Fees

• Research and retrieval: no charge for the first hour. After that, the maximum is $41.37 per hour, the inflation-adjusted cap set by Colorado Legislative Council staff effective July 1, 2024, under C.R.S. 24-72-205(6). The agency must have published its fee policy in advance.
• Copies: up to $0.25 per standard page, or actual cost for other formats (C.R.S. 24-72-205(5)).

Common exemptions

These include personnel files, trade secrets, privileged information, certain medical and financial records, and others listed in C.R.S. 24-72-204.

If you're denied

You can ask for a written statement of the grounds for the denial. CORA also lets you apply to district court, but you must first give the custodian written notice of your intent at least 14 days before filing; during that period the custodian must meet or talk with you by phone to try to resolve it. If you state an expedited need (with the facts supporting it), the notice period is 3 business days and no meeting is required (C.R.S. 24-72-204(5)(a)). Talk to a lawyer about court action.

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Sources: C.R.S. 24-72-203, -204, -205; Colorado General Assembly, "CORA Maximum Hourly Research and Retrieval Fee" (leg.colorado.gov). Checked October 2026. Not legal advice.