This bill amends the right-to-know law by eliminating fees and charges associated with governmental records, specifically removing the provisions that allowed public bodies to charge for the inspection or delivery of records. The bill also repeals sections of the law that previously established fees for records provided, thereby ensuring that no additional costs beyond the actual cost of copying will be incurred by requestors. Furthermore, it reinstates potential liability for public bodies or agencies that disclose information exempt from disclosure, reversing previous protections that shielded them from civil action damages under certain conditions.

The changes made by this bill are expected to have an indeterminable impact on revenue for state, county, and local governments, as the removal of fees may lead to a decrease in funds collected from records requests. Additionally, the reinstatement of liability for wrongful disclosures could result in increased legal costs for public bodies if they are found liable in civil actions. Overall, the bill aims to enhance transparency in governmental operations while also holding agencies accountable for the handling of sensitive information.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 91-A:4