March 16, 2015

Indiana Considers $20 Search Fee For Public Record Requests

stock photo

stock photo

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — A bill that aims to simplify school management by cutting obsolete or duplicate rules in education could also change how public records are handled by all types of Indiana agencies.

The measure would allow government entities to charge a searching fee for records requests that take longer than two hours to fulfill. Current law says agencies can only charge for copying records. The fee starts at $0.10 per page.

The increase in cost comes as states such as Michigan and Maryland are aiming to make record requests less expensive.

Supporters say educators are bogged down with regulations that divert resources from the classroom. Critics say the measure could discourage in-depth records requests and give officials another tool to fight transparency.

The bill is currently under consideration in the House.

Support independent journalism today. You rely on WFYI to stay informed, and we depend on you to make our work possible. Donate to power our nonprofit reporting today. Give now.

 

Related News

Braun says family was targeted, joins growing list of Republican lawmakers hit with recent threats
Indiana Senate ignores Trump pressure, won't meet to redraw congressional maps
Beckwith, Morales join Indiana Statehouse rally urging lawmakers to redraw congressional maps