HB 1487 Summary

• Requires public agencies to allow inspection, copying, or provide copies of public records within a reasonable time after receiving a request.

• Establishes civil penalties of up to $100 for first violations and up to $500 for additional violations against officers or management-level employees of public agencies who intentionally violate public records or open door laws; only one penalty per individual per action allowed.

• Mandates that local government agencies with email capacity provide meeting notices to non-news media requesters by electronic mail or website posting if the agency maintains a website.

• Creates an education fund administered by the public access counselor, funded by civil penalties and general assembly appropriations, to train public officials and educate the public on public access rights and responsibilities.

• Requires courts to conduct in camera inspections of public records without redactions when complaints allege improper redaction; exempts attorney work product from unredacted inspection by the public access counselor.