Bill > SB12

This bill amends Georgia's public records law to clarify and expand provisions related to accessing public records, particularly those held by private entities. The legislation introduces a new definition for "custodian" or "lawful custodian" as the agency that has charge and control over a public record, or a designated employee responsible for the agency's records. It further specifies that all public record inspection requests must be made to a custodian, and requires private persons or entities who have prepared, maintained, received, or been transferred public records on behalf of an agency to produce those records when requested by the custodian. The bill mandates that such private entities must provide the records within the timeframe specified by statutory document retention guidelines or as defined in their agreement with the agency, whichever is later. The purpose of these changes appears to be ensuring broader access to public records, even when those records are temporarily held or managed by private entities, while establishing clear procedures for how and when such records must be made available. The bill will become effective upon the Governor's approval or when it becomes law without approval.