MS HB435

Clarifies that public bodies cannot diminish public access to records based on how data is stored, and requires records comprising multiple data fields be provided in flat file formats (CSV, fixed-length, tab-delimited) upon request.

Requires staff time and contractual services costs for public records requests be calculated at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond.

Adds civil penalty provision allowing damages against any person who charges an unreasonable fee for providing a public record, with liability up to $100 per violation plus reasonable expenses.

Prohibits public bodies from entering contracts that impair public ability to inspect or copy records, and requires IT system acquisitions to adequately plan for public access and redaction of exempt information.

Effective July 1, 2013.