Connecticut House Bill HB05722

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/21/11
• Refer: 1/21/11

Caption

An Act Increasing The Fee For Copying Municipal Public Records.

Impact

The new fee structure would affect all individuals and entities requesting copies of municipal public records. By raising the fee, the bill aims to relieve some of the financial burden on local governments, which often find themselves providing these copies at a loss under the current fee system. Local government officials suggest that this adjustment is necessary not only for financial sustainability but also to maintain the quality and accessibility of the records provided to the public.

Summary

House Bill 05722 proposes to increase the copying fee for municipal public records from fifty cents to one dollar per page. The main objective of the bill is to align the fee more closely with the actual costs incurred by municipalities when providing access to public records. Proponents of the bill argue that the increase is necessary for cost recovery, ensuring that municipalities do not incur losses with the provision of these services. The introduction of this bill by Representatives Megna, Lemar, and Walker indicates a focus on sustainability in the management of public resources.

Contention

Despite its financial motives, the bill may face opposition from groups advocating for open government and transparency. Critics could argue that increasing fees for public records may discourage citizens from seeking important information, ultimately leading to a decrease in governmental accountability. The tension between financial recovery and public access to records is likely to be a focal point of discussion as the bill progresses through legislative channels.