The Government Records Access and Management Act (GRAMA) provides time limits for both responding to requests and appealing denials. These time limits, found in Utah Code sections 63G-2-204 and 401-404, are important because they protect rights and define responsibilities. A requestor is entitled to a response within a reasonable timeframe. If the requestor is not satisfied with the response he or she must appeal within a reasonable time. One reason GRAMA requests must be in writing is to document when the clock starts ticking.
| Government to respond to a GRAMA request | As soon as reasonably possible but no more than 10 business days | 63G-2-204(3) |
| Government to affirm or deny request for expedited response | No more than 5 business days | 63G-2-204(3) |
| Government to respond to expedited GRAMA request | No more than 5 business days | 63G-2-204(3) |
| Government to respond if extraordinary circumstances | As soon as reasonably possible and according to additional details outlined in the law; notify when records will be available | 63G-2-204(6) |
| Requester to appeal denial to chief administrative officer | Within 30 days after receiving notice of denial or if the governmental entity fails to respond | 63G-2-401(1)63G-2-204(8) |
| Chief administrative officer to respond to appeal | No more than 5 business days or 12 business days if business confidentiality is involved; by agreement parties may extend the time period | 63G-2-401(5) |
| Requester to appeal the denial of the chief administrative officer to the State Records Committee. | Within 30 days after receiving response or 45 days after appeal if chief administrative officer did not respond (Requestor may choose to appeal in District Court instead.) | 63G-2-403(1) |
| Requester to notify government of intent to appeal | On same day as request for State Records Committee hearing | 63G-2-403(3) |
| State Records Committee executive secretary to schedule hearing | Within 5 days after receiving request | 63G-2-403(5) |
| Date of hearing | Not less than 14 days or more than 52 days after request for hearing | 3G-2-403(5) |
| Government to provide statement of facts supporting government position | Not later than 5 business days before hearing | 63G-2-403(5) |
| State records committee to issue a decision and order | Within 7 business days after the hearing | 63G-2-403(11) |
| Government to comply with order to produce records or either party may appeal State Records Committee decision in District Court | Within 30 days after the date of the State Records Committee’s order | 63G-2-404(1) |