Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that limits incarcerated individuals ability to request public records to only information about themselves.

Highlights:

• Defines “vexatious requester” as person who intends to annoy or harass local agency w/ public info requests (Page 5).

• Classifies as public record: records of volunteer organizations contracted with Commonwealth or local agency (Page 7).

• Limits ability of inmates to request public record, requires agencies to provide certain information to such inmates (Page 8).

• Classifies as public record: police blotter information (Page 15).

• Authorizes local agencies to seek relief from alleged vexatious requesters (Page 18).

• Authorizes civil penalties against such requesters (Page 21).

• Authorizes in-camera review by appeals officers, chosen venue of review not appealable (Page 25).

• Increases penalty for bad faith denials of public record access, establishes penalty for destruction of records (Page 27-28).

Full Bill Text