Describe the steps involved in processing a public records request, including timelines, fees, and redaction.

• A. Acknowledge request, locate records, notify requester of denial if applicable.
• B. Provide records immediately without exemptions.
• C. Acknowledge request, locate records, review for exemptions, redact sensitive information, provide response within legal timelines, and charge fees if allowed with itemized breakdown.
• D. Ignore timelines and redact nothing.

Answer: (C)

Processing a public records request follows a clear sequence: acknowledge receipt to establish the timeline, locate the potentially responsive records, review them for any exemptions that permit withholding or redaction, redact sensitive information, and provide a response within the legal deadlines. If fees are permitted by law, the agency must supply an itemized breakdown of costs and collect any authorized charges before or with the release. This approach balances timely disclosure with protections for privacy or other exempt information. The other options skip essential steps like exemption review, redaction, and timelines, or ignore fees and withholding rules, which would lead to noncompliance with public records requirements.