Bill > HB114

This bill modifies New Hampshire's Right-to-Know law by eliminating most fees associated with requesting governmental records and reinstating potential legal liability for improper information disclosure. Specifically, the bill removes language that previously allowed public agencies to charge additional fees for record requests beyond the actual copying costs. Public bodies must now respond to record requests within 5 business days by either making the record available, denying the request, or providing a written explanation for any delay. The bill eliminates provisions that previously protected government agencies from civil damages when disclosing exempt information, meaning agencies could now potentially be sued for inappropriate information releases. Government entities can still charge for the actual cost of copying a record, but cannot impose additional fees for inspection or delivery. The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage, and while it is not expected to have an immediate fiscal impact, it may result in indeterminable decreases in government revenue and potential increases in legal expenses related to potential civil actions.

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https://gc.nh.gov/bill_status/legacy/bs2016/bill_docket.aspx?lsr=0060&sy=2025&sortoption=&txtsessionyear=2025&txtbillnumber=HB114