Bill > LD1797

This bill modifies Maine's public records law by requiring government bodies, agencies, or officials to provide more detailed written notices when denying public records requests. Specifically, when a public records request is denied, the responding entity must now include a specific citation to the legal statute that justifies their denial, in addition to the existing requirement of providing written notice within 5 working days explaining the reason for the denial. This change aims to increase transparency by ensuring that requestors understand the precise legal basis for withholding public records. The bill preserves existing provisions that allow for denials based on requests being unduly burdensome, provided that certain procedural steps are followed, and maintains the current appeals process for requestors who believe their public records request has been improperly denied. The modification is part of recommendations from the Right to Know Advisory Committee and amends section 408-A of Title 1 of the Maine Revised Statutes.

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https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1797&snum=132