Nebraska Resident Sues Over Massive Public Record Fees

A Nebraska father is challenging state agencies after being told he would wait 25 years for requested records.

Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Government

Nebraska Resident Sues Over Massive Public Record Fees

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Curt Safranek filed a lawsuit in Lancaster County District Court on Oct. 19, 2026, challenging the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) over prohibitive costs and delays for public records. The agency previously demanded nearly $1 million for access to information regarding the interRAI assessment system.

Why it matters

The requester seeks transparency regarding the implementation of the interRAI system after experiencing a reduction in his son's Medicaid funding. The case highlights significant disputes over the feasibility and cost of public access to governmental records in Nebraska.

DHHS provided a revised cost estimate of $474,383.02 with a 25-year wait time, down from an initial $976,263.77 quote. The agency requires a 10 percent deposit, which amounts to $47,438.30 for the updated request.

The players

Curt Safranek

He is a Nebraska resident and the plaintiff in the lawsuit filed against the state health department.

Thomas Skutt

He is the records manager for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services and is named in the lawsuit in his official capacity.

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services

This state agency manages public health and Medicaid programs, including the implementation of the interRAI assessment system.

Alvarez & Marsal

This is a global professional services firm that provides consulting and advisory services to various public and private sector clients.

The details

Safranek narrowed his initial request to focus on communications from Jan. 1 through Sept. 29, 2026, regarding the consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal. The records relate to a $420,000 contract for evaluating the interRAI developmental disability assessment system implemented by the state in 2025.

The state implemented the interRAI system in 2025.
The narrowed records request covers communications starting Jan. 1, 2026.
DHHS announced a $420,000 interRAI evaluation contract in August 2026.
The narrowed records request covers communications ending Sept. 29, 2026.
Curt Safranek filed his lawsuit on Oct. 19, 2026.

Political Context

Opponents of the lawsuit may argue that the complexity of compiling decades of digital and physical communications creates legitimate administrative burdens for state agencies. The state contends that the required fees and timelines are necessary to cover the costs of identifying and reviewing massive volumes of internal documentation.

This case highlights potential barriers residents face when attempting to hold state agencies accountable through public information requests. Taxpayers may find that obtaining specific documents regarding state contracts requires significant financial resources or lengthy legal intervention.

The takeaway

Transparency remains a contentious issue when state agencies justify high costs and long wait times for record production. Residents seeking information on public expenditures may face significant hurdles even after narrowing their original requests.