Bill > LD1788

This bill modifies Maine's Freedom of Access Act by introducing specific definitions and new requirements for public records requests. The bill defines several key terms, including "commercial request" (a request that furthers a commercial, trade, or profit interest), "noncommercial request" (a request from educational institutions, scientific institutions, news media, or other non-commercial entities), "educational institution" (a school conducting scholarly research), and "representative of news media" (an entity actively gathering and disseminating information of public interest). The bill prohibits agencies from charging fees for the first two hours of staff time for noncommercial requests, while allowing them to establish a fee structure for commercial requests. Additionally, the bill requires requesters to certify whether their request is commercial or noncommercial and whether the requested information is likely to be part of an ongoing judicial proceeding. These changes aim to provide clearer guidelines for public record requests and fee structures, ensuring transparency while protecting agencies from excessive administrative burdens.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1788&snum=132