Limit certain public record requests; allow contractor response
What changed between versions
Added over 40 new categories of records that are exempt from public disclosure, including specific details on medical records, child fatality reviews, DNA data, and attorney work product.
Provided detailed definitions for terms like 'designated public service worker' and 'body-worn camera' to clarify what information is protected.
Created a new legal mechanism allowing public offices to sue and seek court orders to stop or limit requests made to harass or disrupt their operations.
Allowed public offices to hire private contractors to handle voluminous public records requests, with the contractor's costs included in the fee charged to the requester.
Established a tiered fee structure for video records, capping charges at $75 per hour and $750 total, and requiring agencies to provide cost estimates within five business days.
Mandated that public offices post their public records policies in conspicuous locations and distribute them to records custodians.
Required agencies to provide a written explanation with legal authority whenever a public records request is denied.
