ME LD1788

Amends Maine's Freedom of Access Act to create two categories of public records requests: "commercial requests" (furthering business, trade, or profit interests including litigation) and "noncommercial requests" (from educational institutions, noncommercial scientific institutions, news media, or others without commercial purpose)

Prohibits agencies from charging fees for the first 2 hours of staff time on noncommercial requests; after 2 hours, fees are capped at $25 per hour

Allows agencies to establish their own fee structures and charge fees for commercial requests without the 2-hour free period

Requires all requesters to certify whether their request is commercial or noncommercial and disclose whether records are likely to be used in ongoing judicial proceedings

Defines "representative of news media" to include traditional broadcasters, periodical publishers, and internet-based news organizations that gather, edit, and distribute information of public interest