Bill > LD1813

This bill expands public records and proceedings training requirements to include board members of commissions established under Title 5, Chapter 379, which appears to be a specific chapter governing state boards and commissions. The bill mandates that these board members complete a training course within 120 days of assuming their duties, focusing on legal requirements related to public records and proceedings. The training must be less than two hours and cover topics such as legal requirements for public records, procedures for handling record requests, and potential penalties for non-compliance. Board members can meet this requirement by thoroughly reviewing state-provided online guidance about open government. Additionally, the bill requires board members to provide written or electronic certification of their training completion and file this documentation with their respective public entity. The legislation also requires each agency or office to designate a public access officer who can serve multiple boards or commissions within the same office, and mandates that all agencies and commissions acknowledge and respond to public record requests, regardless of whether they are directed to the specific public access officer.

Justice

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1813&snum=132