An Act To Strengthen The Freedom Of Access Act By Categorizing Commercial Requesters

LD 1788 amends Maine's Freedom of Access Act to categorize public record requests based on the requester's purpose. It defines "commercial requests" (for profit, trade, or litigation) and "noncommercial requests" (by educational institutions, news media, scientific researchers, or individuals with noncommercial use). The bill requires agencies to waive fees for the first 2 hours of staff time for noncommercial requests, charge up to $25/hour after that, and allow fees for commercial requests. Requesters must certify whether their request is commercial or noncommercial and disclose if it relates to ongoing litigation.