Connecticut House Bill HB05277

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/20
• Refer: 2/21/20

Caption

An Act Decreasing Fees For Copying Public Records Under The Freedom Of Information Act.

Impact

This legislative change is expected to enhance government transparency by making public records more affordable and accessible to citizens. By lowering the fees for copying, the bill encourages greater public engagement and inspection of government activities. The bill's provisions take effect on October 1, 2020, suggesting that the law is aimed at addressing immediate concerns regarding public access to information amidst growing calls for increased accountability in government operations.

Summary

House Bill 5277 aims to reduce the fees associated with copying public records under the Freedom of Information Act. The bill modifies existing statutes to decrease the maximum fees charged by public agencies for copies of documents and records. Specifically, the fees for copies provided by state agencies will be adjusted to a maximum of fifteen cents per page, down from the previous rate of fifty cents. Additionally, it stipulates that fees for certifying copies will also be reduced, establishing a more accessible system for obtaining public records.

Contention

While the intent of HB 5277 is largely viewed positively by those advocating for government transparency, there may be concerns from local government officials regarding the financial implications of reduced fees on their operational budgets. Town clerks, who rely on these fees to fund their services, could face challenges in maintaining their operations if the reduced rates significantly decrease their revenues. This could lead to a debate on the balance between accessible information and the financial sustainability of public agencies.