Bill would rewrite state open records law

Acting on new Attorney General Sam Olens’ legislative agenda, a Georgia lawmaker has introduced an overhaul of the state's sunshine laws.

House Bill 397 would increase the fines for meetings and records violations -- now at $100 and $500, respectively -- to $1,000 per violation and up to $2,500 for each new offense that year.

Keeping a campaign pledge from Olens, the rewrite also would require government officials who close meetings to keep written notes or minutes for a judge to review if questions arise.