WY HB0151

Caps fees for public records copies: $0 for electronic records via email/download, $20 flat fee for records on storage devices, $0.15/page for paper copies up to 666 pages then $0.05/page thereafter, plus actual postage costs for mailed records

Prohibits charging fees for staff time spent locating, reviewing, redacting, or preparing records for release (though programming costs for constructing electronic records may still be charged)

Expands ombudsman authority to conduct in-camera review of denied records, issue binding compliance orders, and direct release of records or waiver/refund of fees

Increases penalty for knowingly violating the Public Records Act from $750 to $2,000, adds $250/day civil penalty for noncompliance with court orders, and authorizes up to $7,500 in punitive damages for bad faith denials

Applies to requests made on or after July 1, 2026 and covers all governmental entities including state agencies and political subdivisions