Signed by Governor Mark Gordon

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that establishes a deadline for meeting open record requests.

Highlights:

• Requires all applications for public records be made to the designated public records person (Sec. 1).

• Defines “Governmental entity” as any agency, political subdivision or state institution of Wyoming (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that if the requested records are in active use or in storage and not available at the time of request than the designated public records person shall immediately forward the request to the custodian or authorized person in control of the public records (Sec. 1).

• Requires public records be released not later than 30 calendar days from the date of acknowledged request unless good cause exists preventing release (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that if good cause exists preventing release of the requested public records within the specified time period then the public records shall be released on a mutually agreed upon date by the applicant and the government entity (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes an applicant to at any time file a complaint with an ombudsman designated by the Governor and may petition the district court to determine whether the custodian has demonstrated good cause in determining whether records are privileged or confidential by law or whether release of the records impairs or impedes a governmental entity (Sec. 1).

• Authorizes the district court to waive any fees charged by a state governmental entity or file a complaint with an ombudsman who may do the following, including (Sec. 1):

• Mediate disputes between the governmental entity and applicant;

• Prescribe a timeline for release of the records; and

• Waive any fees charged by the governmental entity.

Full Bill Text