MS SB2189

Amends Section 25-61-7 to require that any staff time or contractual services included in the actual cost of providing public records be calculated at the pay scale of the lowest level employee or contractor competent to respond to the request.

Amends Section 25-61-15 to make denial of access to public records or charging an unreasonable fee for copies a civil violation subject to a fine of up to $100 per violation plus reasonable expenses.

Specifies that civil liability for overcharging or denying access to public records is the individual responsibility of the person in their personal capacity, rather than the public body.

Takes effect July 1, 2014.