Holcomb Vetoes Bill Creating Public Records Search Fees

Gov. Eric Holcomb used his first veto to reject a measure creating fees for public records searches.

Holcomb’s predecessor, former Gov. Mike Pence, vetoed a similar bill in 2015.

The legislation – overwhelmingly approved by both chambers – would have allowed governments to charge up to $20 an hour for public records searches that took longer than two hours.

Supporters argued that lengthy searches are a strain on agencies and that local governments in particular needed the financial relief.

The Hoosier State Press Association had backed the measure. But other groups, including the Society of Professional Journalists and the Indiana Coalition for Open Government, opposed it.

In his veto message to lawmakers, Holcomb says the bill goes against, in his words, his “commitment to providing great government service at a great value for Hoosier taxpayers.”

Holcomb pledges to explore administrative ways to streamline public records requests.

The General Assembly can override Holcomb’s veto with a simple majority in both houses.