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

SB 554 allows government offices (custodians) to file complaints with Maryland’s Public Information Act Compliance Board when individuals repeatedly submit unreasonable, harassing, or abusive requests for public records. The Board can then issue orders to ignore future requests on the same topic, require less detailed responses, or limit future requests for a specified period. To file a complaint, custodians must first attempt to resolve disputes through the Public Access Ombudsman. This bill directly affects government agencies managing public records requests and requesters engaging in persistent pattern of abusive behavior, while preserving the general right to access public records.