HB 1093 Summary

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

• Establishes civil penalties of up to $100 for first violations and up to $500 for additional violations against public officials and agencies who intentionally violate open door and public records laws, provided the public access counselor issued an advisory opinion before litigation.

• Allows management-level employees to avoid civil penalties if ordered by agency officers to violate notice or records disclosure requirements.

• Permits public agencies with electronic mail capacity to provide meeting notices to non-media requesters via email or website posting, with court protection for good faith compliance efforts.

• Creates an education fund financed by civil penalties and general assembly appropriations to support public access counselor training programs for officials and public education on open records and meetings laws.