Louisiana Public Records

State Level Information

Louisiana's Sunshine Law or the Louisiana Public Records Act was created by the state legislature in 1940. In 1974 a new state Constitution was adopted that included the idea for the first time that public documents are presumed to be open to public examination. The 1974 constitution says, "No person shall be denied the right to . . . examine public documents except in cases established by law." - Article XII ยง 3 of the Louisiana Constitution.

Both the original and recreated laws in 1940 and 1974 limited who could request public records, stating that only state electors and state taxpayers could seek such. In 1978 that was changed to include any person of the age of majority.

Louisiana Department of Public Safety
State of Louisiana Secretary of State
Louisiana Department of Agriculture and Forestry
Louisiana Real Estate Commission
Louisiana Department of Revenue
Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development
Louisiana State Veterinary Medical Examining Board

Court Record Resources

Criminal history information is available when allowable by law to those applicants for employment in areas such as social and medical services and health care, the gaming industry and other regulatory agencies that may require criminal history screenings as part of the employment screening process.

There are different forms in the state of Louisiana for a criminal history background check depending upon the purpose of the check. An authorization form is required in conjunction with all other disclosure forms.


Louisiana Judicial Branch
Louisiana Criminal Justice Commission
Louisiana State Police
Louisiana Department of Corrections
Louisiana Division of Administrative Law

Vital Records Facts

Louisiana State Library, Archives and Public Records
Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals