Connecticut House Bill HB05011

Connecticut 2021 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/8/21
• Refer: 1/8/21
• Refer: 3/4/21
• Report Pass: 3/30/21
• Refer: 4/9/21
• Report Pass: 4/15/21
• Refer: 4/26/21
• Report Pass: 4/30/21
• Engrossed: 5/18/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21

Caption

An Act Concerning The Copying Of Public Records Under The Freedom Of Information Act With A Hand-held Scanner.

Impact

Should HB05011 be enacted, it would amend several sections of the general statutes, specifically concerning fees for obtaining public records and the use of hand-held scanning devices. This bill reduces maximum allowable fees for copies made by public agencies and eliminates charges for individuals using hand-held scanners, barring certain exceptions. This could have a notable positive impact on citizen engagement and participation in government by making it easier for individuals to access vital information.

Summary

House Bill 05011 aims to streamline the process for copying public records under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) by allowing individuals to use hand-held scanners. Currently, obtaining public records typically entails specific processes and sometimes associated fees that can hinder access. The proposed legislation seeks to modify existing laws to further enhance accessibility, particularly for citizens who may not have the ability to afford costly fees for public records, empowering them with more direct access to governmental transparency.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB05011 appears largely favorable among proponents who argue that this modernization of public records copying will foster greater transparency and accountability in government. Supporters believe that the ability to use hand-held devices will simplify the process of obtaining public information, thus encouraging more active civic participation. However, some concerns were raised about maintaining the integrity of the records and the potential for misuse of the scanning provisions, which may indicate some division among legislators and stakeholders regarding the legislation.

Contention

Noteworthy points of contention about HB05011 revolve around concerns that while increasing accessibility is vital, the safeguards implemented to protect public records must also be robust. Critics of the bill highlight the potential for privacy issues or mishandling of sensitive information if individuals can freely scan documents without regulation. Balancing the desire for enhanced public access against the necessity of protecting sensitive documents will likely be a central theme in discussions as the bill progresses through the legislative process.