Connecticut House Bill HB05422

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/13
• Refer: 1/18/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Fees For Electronic Public Records.

Impact

The proposed amendment to section 1-212 of the general statutes is expected to significantly impact the way public records are accessed by citizens. By imposing a cap on fees for electronic copies, the bill aims to eliminate potential financial barriers that might discourage individuals from requesting public records. This change could lead to an increase in the number of information requests, enhancing public engagement with governmental processes and fostering a culture of openness.

Summary

House Bill 5422 seeks to amend the existing statute regarding fees for copies of public records in the state. Specifically, it aims to limit the fees charged by government entities for electronic records to no more than ten cents per page. The intent of this legislation is to enhance transparency and ensure that the public has affordable access to governmental information, which is vital for promoting an informed citizenry and accountability in public administration.

Contention

While the bill is largely viewed as a positive step towards greater transparency, there may be concerns from government agencies about the potential financial implications. Some officials might argue that the capped fees could lead to a shortfall in revenue that is typically used to cover the costs associated with processing public records requests. Additionally, there may be discussions around the balance between providing access to public information and the operational resources needed to fulfill that access. Overall, the conversations surrounding this bill highlight the ongoing tension between transparency and the capacity of governmental entities to manage public records efficiently.