extending the position of right-to-know ombudsman for 2 years and exempting individuals who assist in the preparation of a right-to-know complaint at no charge from the unauthorized practice of law.

HB 111 extends the office of the right-to-know ombudsman - which helps people access government records and resolve disputes - through July 2027, adding two years to its current expiration. The bill maintains a $25 filing fee for complaints submitted to the ombudsman’s office, while eliminating the standard $280 court filing fee that would otherwise apply. This prevents the office’s termination in 2025, ensuring continued access to this free resource for citizens seeking government transparency. The extension requires $170,706 in FY 2026 and $175,948 in FY 2027, funded from the General Fund.