Public Information Act - Frivolous, Vexatious, or Abusive Requests - Remedies

HB 806 amends Maryland's Public Information Act to address requests deemed frivolous, vexatious, or abusive. It allows government agencies (custodians) to file complaints with the State Public Information Act Compliance Board if an individual or entity makes unreasonable or excessive requests. The Board can then issue orders to ignore future requests, require less burdensome responses, or impose other non-monetary relief, based on the totality of circumstances. Applicants can appeal Board decisions to circuit court, and the bill clarifies where such cases must be filed. This directly affects government agencies handling public records and individuals making repeated or unreasonable requests.