The bill amends subsection 2 of section 44-04-18 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to fees for open records requests. It establishes that public entities must provide one copy of requested public records and clarifies that initial requests do not need to be made in person or in writing, with copies mailed upon request. The bill allows public entities to charge up to twenty-five cents per impression for paper copies and outlines that they may charge a reasonable fee for non-paper copies. Additionally, it permits entities to require payment before processing requests and allows them to withhold records until any outstanding balances for prior requests are settled.

Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision that allows public entities to charge up to twenty-five dollars per hour for locating records beyond the first hour and for excising confidential material. However, it also stipulates that each requester is entitled to one request per year free of charge, provided it does not exceed forty hours of production and the requester is a state citizen. Other insertions include provisions for handling requests when a copy machine is unavailable and clarifications regarding fees for records with different statutory fees.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 44-04-18