Bill > S2120

This bill aims to improve the administration and enforcement of public records laws by introducing several key provisions. It clarifies that "cyber-security" is a component of public records, mandates the creation and dissemination of educational materials and training by the supervisor of records to promote awareness and compliance, and allows for the creation and transmission of public records through electronic means. The bill also establishes the requirement for agencies and municipalities to designate "records access officers" who will be responsible for coordinating responses to public records requests, assisting requesters, and preparing guidelines for accessing records, with these guidelines to be posted online. Furthermore, it outlines specific timelines for responding to public records requests, including provisions for extensions under certain circumstances, and details the "reasonable fees" that can be charged for reproducing records, with limitations on hourly rates and initial hours of work. The bill also introduces a process for appealing decisions to the supervisor of records and subsequently to the courts, with provisions for awarding attorney fees and litigation costs to requesters who obtain relief, and allows for punitive damages in cases where agencies or municipalities acted in bad faith. Finally, it restricts the disclosure of certain sensitive information, such as firearm ownership details and the home addresses of public safety personnel, and requires agencies to make certain public records available on searchable websites.