Bill > H1265

This bill proposes to amend Massachusetts General Laws, chapter 66, which governs public records. Specifically, it increases the penalty for violations of the public records law from twenty dollars to $100 in two separate sections of the law (sections 15 and 17). Furthermore, the bill introduces a provision allowing individuals who successfully sue to obtain public records to recover their reasonable attorneys' fees and costs, meaning their legal expenses will be reimbursed if they win their case. This aims to strengthen enforcement of public records access by making it more financially feasible for citizens to pursue legal action when their requests are denied or improperly handled.