HB5473 Summary

• Adds internal reconsideration process for denied FOIA requests: requesting persons may submit written appeals to a public body's LORA coordinator using the words "reconsideration," "appeal," "redetermination," or "reverse," which must be answered within 10 business days.

• Establishes council administrator review for persistent denials: if the LORA coordinator denies reconsideration or fails to respond, the requesting person may appeal to the council administrator within 180 days, with expedited review required.

• Requires fee reductions through similar process: requesting persons can challenge excessive FOIA fees by requesting reconsideration from the LORA coordinator within 10 business days, with council administrator appeal available within 45 days if denied.

• Sets appeal fees at $75 for denial appeals and $50 for fee reduction appeals, with waivers for indigent filers and automatic waiver if requestor wins 50% or greater fee reduction.

• Authorizes council administrator to recommend disciplinary action against public bodies for arbitrary violations and requires such recommendations be posted online within 5 days; takes effect January 1, 2017.