On February 11, Executive Director Michael Sanderson testified before the Health and Government Operations Committee in support of HB 806 – Public Information Act – Frivolous, Vexatious, or Abusive Requests – Remedies.
This bill provides reasonable relief for a local custodian of records for a defined set of “abusive” public information requests.
Mr. Sanderson emphasized that the state’s PIA laws apply personal liability to custodians, and said “please give them a clear path and guidance on what to do in these difficult circumstances.”
The establishment of an abusive request category and potential to provide a remedy will assure custodians that not only is there relief for them in these circumstances, but that officials recognize the value of their contributions.
The Committee discussion and questions during the hearing suggested that they would likely form a “work group” to take up this bill and HB 822, to work through the goals and breadth of their effects.
HB 806’s cross-file, SB 554, was heard on February 20 in the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee. Associate Policy Director Sarah Sample testified in support of this bill.
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