HB 6582 Summary

• Requires persons submitting FOIA requests (except indigent individuals) to provide complete name, address, contact information, and agent information in compliance with U.S. Postal Service standards.

• Limits paper copy fees to 10 cents per sheet and caps contracted labor costs for redaction at 6 times the state minimum hourly wage rate.

• Eliminates charges for search, examination, and redaction labor unless the request would create unreasonably high costs to the public body, which must be specifically identified.

• Mandates public bodies post procedures, guidelines, and fee calculations on websites and provide free copies; prohibits fee charging until compliance achieved.

• Reduces labor charges by 5% per day (maximum 50%) for late responses if willful and intentional or if request clearly marked as FOIA within first 250 words or subject line.

• Allows public bodies to require deposits up to 50% of estimated fees exceeding $50 and provides mechanism to require full deposit from individuals with unpaid prior requests after 90 days.