An Act further regulating access to public records

HD 494 establishes a new Commission of Public Records and Public Records Division within the Secretary of the Commonwealth's office to oversee public record access. The bill requires government agencies to respond to public record requests within 10 days (providing electronic copies if requested), creates a Supervisor of Public Records to resolve disputes, and sets up a new Division of Public Record Appeals for formal challenges. The Commission, composed of five members appointed by the governor, secretary of state, and attorney general (including representatives from municipal and newspaper associations), must report annually to the legislature. This bill directly affects government agencies that maintain public records and the public seeking access to those records.