HB 5312 Summary

• Eliminates all fees charged by public bodies for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests beginning 30 days after the bill's effective date, including search, copying, labor, and mailing costs.

• Extends the response deadline for FOIA requests from 5 business days to 10 calendar days after receipt of the request.

• Removes the provision allowing public bodies to issue a single extension notice for up to 10 additional business days to respond to requests.

• Repeals provisions allowing public bodies to require deposits (up to 50% of estimated fees) before fulfilling FOIA requests.

• Maintains existing fee reduction mechanisms for indigent individuals and specified nonprofit organizations, though all fees are eliminated by the new section 4a.