12/18/07-The House has put on hold until next year consideration of a bill that would modify the rules of public access to information.
Sponsored by Rep. Tim Mahoney, D-Fayette, HB443 was awaiting consideration on the House floor when lawmakers started wrapping up the 2007 regular session. It can be brought back for consideration there during the session that begins Jan. 1.
The bill would create a new state agency to act as a facilitator for the public in accessing records. The Office of Access to Public Records would advise requesters on how to obtain government information and their rights.
Responses from agencies would be required within 20 business days. Violators would face fines up to $1,000.
Information from state lawmakers would be included although state and local government officials’ e-mails would remain private.
Exceptions would be made if agencies can establish that revealing a certain record is either illicit or confidential.
Requesters denied access to records would be able to challenge the denial in court. If the court rules in favor of the requester, the offending agency could face fines up to $1,000.